TCSP Aerosonde Atmospheric and Sea Surface Measurements

Measurements of air temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and sea surface temperature collected via Aerosonde aircraft during the Tropical Cloud Systems and Processes (TCSP) field experiment. The dataset was created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration during July 2005 in Costa Rica to study tropical waves that evolve into cyclones over the Pacific Ocean.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical atmospheric profiles using temperature, pressure, and humidity measurements from wing-mounted sondes.
• Studying the relationship between sea surface temperature and tropical wave intensification using infrared pyrometer data.
• Modeling the evolution of atmospheric conditions as tropical waves pass from Central America to the Pacific Ocean.
• Validating satellite-derived atmospheric data with in-situ aircraft measurements from a specific field campaign.

Strengths

• Data includes direct in-situ measurements from two Vaisalla RS902 sondes and a Heiltronics KT11.k6 infrared pyrometer.
• Measurements are tied to a specific, well-documented scientific mission (TCSP) with a clear geographic and temporal focus (July 2005, Costa Rica).
• The dataset's presence on multiple government platforms indicates its established role in atmospheric research.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and the complete column schema are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date: Data.gov lists a future date (2026-03-12), while NASA Earthdata lists the original collection date (2005-07-22).

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Measurements made on Aerosonde aircraft flights using Vaisalla RS902 sondes and a Heiltronics KT11.k6 infrared pyrometer.

Time Range

July 2005

Freshness

2005-07-22 13:53:51

Geography

Costa Rica and the adjacent Pacific Ocean region.