The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to seek the basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data. To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13 - November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29 - July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13 - December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1 - June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems.The FIRE_CI2_NWS_IN_SND data set was collected for the period Nov. 13, 1991 to Dec. 7, 1991. Each granule has multiple ASCII data files. Data were collected from 17 different National Weather Service (NWS) sites. These sites are: (ABQ) Albuquerque, NM; (AMA) Amarillo, TX; (DDC) Dodge City, KS; (DEN) Denver, CO; (DRT) Del Rio, TX; (ELP) El Paso, TX; (GGG) Longview, TX; (LBF) North Platte, NE; (LIT) North Little Rock, AR; (MAF) Midland, TX; (OMA) Omaha, NE; (OUN) Norman, OK; (PAH) Paducah, KY; (PIA) Peoria, IL; (SEP) Stephenville, TX; (TOP)Topeka, KS; and (UMN) Monett, MO.

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to seek the basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data. To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13 - November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29 - July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13 - December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1 - June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems. Cirrus IFO-II was conducted from November 9 to December 8, 1991 in Coffeyville, Kansas. The NCAR King Air aircraft measured radiation and microphysical properties of the cloud layers, in addition to temperature, moisture, and air motions.

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to improve basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between the ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data.To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13-November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29-July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13-December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1-June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems.Cirrus IFO-I was conducted from October 13 to November 2, 1986 in central Wisconsin. The NCAR Sabreliner aircraft measured radiation and microphysical properties of the cloud layers, in addition to temperature, moisture, and air motions.

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to improve basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between the ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data.To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13-November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29-July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13-December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1-June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems. Cirrus IFO-I was conducted from October 13 to November 2, 1986 in central Wisconsin. The NCAR King Air aircraft measured radiation andmicrophysical properties of the cloud layers, in addition to temperature, moisture, and air motions.

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to improve basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between the ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data.To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13-November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29-July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13-December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1-June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems.The Cross-chain LORAN Atmospheric Sounding System (CLASS) sonde data were collected in four locations: Arkansas City, KS; Coffeyville, KS: Iola, KS; and Muskegee, OK.

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to seek the basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data. To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13 - November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29 - July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13 - December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1 - June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems.The NOAA wind profiles were collected during the period from Nov. 13, 1991 to Dec. 7 1991. The original data were stored in the Enhanced Binary Universal Form (EBUF) format. These data files have been reformatted and are provided (in ASCII format) by the Langley DAAC.

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to improve the basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between the ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data.Radiosonde data were collected during the FIRE ASTEX for time period June 7, 1992 through June 28, 1992 from the Malcolm Baldridge (ship).There are 3 sets of interpolated sounding data. They are 5-second, 20-meter, and 2-millibar.Each file contains a 5-line header. The first line is the site name (up to 16 characters), the next line is the latitude and longitude at the time of launch, the third contains the date-time group at launch in YYMMDDHHMM format. Lines 4 and 5 describe the data to follow, which comprise no more that 1500 additional lines. The data are: minutes, seconds past launch, ascent rate, height, pressure, temperature, relative humidity, dew point, mixing ratio and wind speedand direction.

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to improve basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between the ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data.To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13-November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29-July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13-December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1-June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems. The University of North Dakota owns and operates a Cessna Citation II aircraft (N77ND) for the purpose of atmospheric research. This aircraft type has a number of design and performance characteristics which make it an ideal platform for a wide range of atmospheric studies. A series of structural modifications have been made to the basic airplane. These include the following: pylons under the wing tips for a variety of probes in the undisturbed air flow away from the fuselage; a nose boom for wind measurement; a heated radome to prevent ice accumulation on the nose area; special mounts for upward and downward looking radiometers; side-facing camera mounts for time-lapse cameras; optically-flat glass windows for photography; and an air inlet port for air sampling inside the pressurized cabin. The research instrumentation available on the Citation for the second Cirrus IFO is described below. For more information about the UND Citation see http://cumulus.atmos.und.edu/ Cloud microphysical measurements were derived from data taken by the University of North Dakota Citation aircraft PMS 2D-C and 2D-P probes during the FIRE Cirrus IFO - II. Following are a list of parameters collected: VARIABLE DESCRIPTION UNITS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IT1,IT2 MEASUREMENT TIME INTERVAL HH/MM/SS PS STATIC PRESSURE mb TEMP AMBIENT TEMPERATURES degrees C ALT PRESSURE ALTITUDE m USTAR VERTICAL VELOCITY NEEDED TO KEEP THE cm/s RELATIVE HUMIDITY CONSTANT DBARM MEDIAN PARTICLE MASS WEIGHTED DIAMETER cm DMAX MAXIMUM PARTICLE DIAMETER cm W1 DIFFUSIONAL GROWTH RATE IN CHANNEL 1 g/sec W2 DIFFUSIONAL GROWTH RATE IN CHANNEL 2 g/sec W3 DIFFUSIONAL GROWTH RATE IN CHANNEL 3 g/sec W4 DIFFUSIONAL GROWTH RATE IN CHANNEL 4 g/sec WTOT TOTAL DIFFUSTIONAL GROWTH RATE g/sec DT8 DEPLETION TIME (8 micron droplets) sec DT12 DEPLETION TIME (12 micron droplets) sec TMASS1 IWC IN CHANNEL 1 g/m^3 TMASS2 IWC IN CHANNEL 2 g/m^3 DPTC DEW POINT TEMPERATURE (EG&G) degreesC RH RELATIVE HUMIDITY (EG&G) % RIWC ICE WATER CONTENT g/m^3 XM1 ICE WATER CONTENT BASED ON SNOW HABIT g/m^3 XM2 ICE WATER CONTENT BASED ON SMALL SNOW g/m^3 HABIT XM3 ICE WATER CONTENT BASED ON LARGE SNOW g/m^3 HABIT R PRECIPITATION RATE mm/hr DBZ RADAR REFLECTIVITY FACTOR decibels VBAR MEAN REFLECTIVITY WEIGHTED WITH THE cm/s TERMINAL VELOCITY TTCONC TOTAL PARTICLE CONCENTRATION #/L CBIN1 PARTICLE CONCENTRATION WITHIN THE RANGE LE 200 #/L CBIN2 PARTICLE CONCENTRATION WITHIN 200-500 #/L THE RANGE CBIN3 PARTICLE CONCENTRATION WITHIN THE 500-800 #/L RANGE CBIN4 PARTICLE CONCENTRATION WITHIN THE #/L RANGE GT 800 CE8 COLLECTION EFFICIENCY (8 micron none droplets) CE12 COLLECTION EFFICIENCY (12 micron none droplets) TMASS3 IWC IN CHANNEL 3 g/m^3 TMASS4 IWC IN CHANNEL 4 g/m^3 TIMP # OF CRYSTAL-CRYSTAL COLUMNS sec^(1-) RHORH WATER VAPOR DENSITY g/cm^3 SI SUPERSATURA

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to improve basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between the ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data.To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13-November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29-July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13-December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1-June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems.The University of North Dakota owns and operates a Cessna Citation II aircraft (N77ND) for the purpose of atmospheric research. This aircraft type has a number of design and performance characteristics which make it an ideal platform for a wide range of atmospheric studies. A series of structural modifications have been made to the basic airplane. These include the following: pylons under the wing tips for a variety of probes in the undisturbed air flow away from the fuselage; a nose boom for wind measurement; a heated radome to prevent ice accumulation on the nose area; special mounts for upward and downward looking radiometers; side-facing camera mounts for time-lapse cameras; optically-flat glass windows for photography; and an airinlet port for air sampling inside the pressurized cabin. The research instrumentation available on the Citation for the second Cirrus IFO is described below.The basic instrumentation package measured temperature, dew point temperature, pressure, wind and cloud microphysical characteristics along with aircraft position, altitude and performance parameters. The three-dimensional wind field is derived from measurements of acceleration, pitch, roll and yaw combined with angles of attack and sideslip and indicated airspeed. The aircraft parameters were supplied by an LTN-76 inertial navigation system and a Global PositioningSystem (GPS). Turbulence intensity can be derived from differential pressure transducers and INS accelerometer outputs.Cloud microphysics were sampled with PMS 1D-P, 2D-C, 1D-C and FSSP probes, and a continuous formvar replicator from DRI. A number of gas and aerosol sampling instruments were available. These included fast response O3 and NO2 monitors and a condensation nuclei counter.A forward-looking video camera was used to provide a visual record of flight conditions. The data were sampled at various rates from 1 to 24 sec-1. The sampling is controlled by the on-board computer system which also displayed the data in real time in graphic and alphanumeric formats while recording them on magnetic tape.

The First ISCCP Regional Experiments have been designed to improve data products and cloud/radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models (GCMs). Specifically, the goals of FIRE are (1) to seek the basic understanding of the interaction of physical processes in determining life cycles of cirrus and marine stratocumulus systems and the radiative properties of these clouds during their life cycles and (2) to investigate the interrelationships between ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher space and time resolution cloud data. To-date, four intensive field-observation periods were planned and executed: a cirrus IFO (October 13 - November 2, 1986); a marine stratocumulus IFO off the southwestern coast of California (June 29 - July 20, 1987); a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas (November 13 - December 7, 1991); and a second marine stratocumulus IFO in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean (June 1 - June 28, 1992). Each mission combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies to investigate the cloud properties and physical processes of the cloud systems.The PAMS data set was collected during the FIRE Cirrus Phase II experiment from Nov. 13, 1991 to Dec. 7, 1991 at six sites. There are 25 data files for each of 6 sites where PAMS data were collected.