Cloud Particle Measurements from Atlantic Coast Snowstorms

Over 1,000 cloud particle measurements were collected during the three-year IMPACTS field campaign from 2020 to 2023. The dataset, produced by NASA, aims to study the microphysics of snowbands threatening the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Observations are stored in ASCII format and are intended to improve snowfall remote sensing and modeling.

Use Cases

• Analyzing particle size distributions within snowbands using microphysical measurements.
• Studying the temporal evolution of cloud properties during Atlantic Coast snowstorms.
• Validating and improving numerical weather prediction models for winter precipitation.
• Correlating in-situ microphysical data with satellite remote sensing observations.

Strengths

• Data originates from a dedicated three-year NASA field campaign (IMPACTS) with a clear scientific mission.
• Provides in-situ measurements of cloud particles during specific, high-impact winter storm events.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData indicates recognized importance and curation.

Limitations

• Specific row count, file size, and complete column schema are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last update date: Data.gov lists 2026-03-12, while NASA EarthData lists 2023-02 -28.
• License is listed as 'other-license-specified' on Data.gov but is 'None' on NASA EarthData, creating uncertainty.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Field campaign measurements collected during the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS).

Time Range

January 25, 2020, through February 28, 2023

Freshness

2026-03-12 20:33:16.325741

Geography

U.S. Atlantic Coast