The NOAA Portable Cloud Observatory (NPCO) is a ground-based system that profiles clouds using active and remote sensors. It features a millimeter-wave cloud profiling radar (MMCR), a three-channel (21 GHz, 31 GHz, 90 GHz) microwave radiometer, an infrared thermometer, and surface meteorological sensors. The MMCR operates at 35 GHz and collects radar observations at a 45-meter resolution to derive cloud properties. The radiometer measures brightness temperature to determine cloud liquid water content and water vapor. NPCO is housed in a standard 20-foot sea container and can be deployed on land or on research vessels for water-based operations.
Instrument Details
- Multi
- Earth Science > Atmosphere > CloudsEarth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud PropertiesEarth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Doppler VelocityEarth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud MicrophysicsEarth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness TemperatureEarth Science > Atmosphere > Clouds > Cloud Microphysics > Cloud Liquid Water/iceEarth Science > Spectral/engineering > RadarEarth Science > Spectral/engineering > Radar > Radar ReflectivityEarth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Total Precipitable Water
- Full Column Profile, Land Surface
- Variable
- 45 m
- 35 GHz, 21 GHz, 31 GHz, 90 GHz
- Currently unavailble
Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
Unpublished
 Campaign Field Sites Stationary 68 Campaigns · 162 Instruments |  Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers Florida Area Cirrus Experiment 2002 Southern Florida 1 Deployment · 1 Data Product
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