Permanent land sites are set locations containing one or more instruments. These instruments are always kept at this site and continue to collect measurements even after the field campaign is complete. Examples of permanent land sites include permanent towers (such as FLUXNET or ASOS/AWOS), NEXRAD radar sites, AERONET network sites, and airport observation stations.
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global ground-based network of Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems that has been active since 1999. MPLNET provides continuous measurements of aerosol and cloud vertical structure as well as boundary layer height from the surface up to 30 km. The MPL systems operate at a wavelength range of 523-532 nm and have a vertically-resolved spatial resolution of 30 to 75 m depending on the station. Many of the MPLNET sites are co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to help reduce errors in retrievals.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
Rain gauges are ground-based instruments that provide in situ measurements of liquid precipitation amounts over a set time. There are multiple types of rain gauges that each collect and record data differently such as the tipping bucket rain gauge and weighing precipitation gauge. Rain gauges can be deployed in various locations due to their relatively small size and easy set-up and are typically colocated with other precipitation instruments such as disdrometers to provide more details about precipitation being collected such as precipitation rate and size distribution.
Soil moisture probes are in situ ground-based sensors used to measure soil water content. The most common type of soil moisture probes used for scientific research use dielectric permittivity techniques such as capacitance sensors or time-domain reflectometry sensors. These types of probes measure the charge-storage capacity of the soil to determine the soil moisture content. They typically operate at frequencies around 50 MHz and above to reduce sensitivity to salinity. Soil moisture probes provide continuous measurements and are relatively easy to deploy.
A Four beam system that uses Yagi antenna with enhanced beam steering capability and contains a Median Filter First Guess (MFFG) algorithm to generate a wind profile from Doppler spectra at each range gate
The National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) is a remote, ground-based network operated by Vaisala. It consists of over 100 lightning detection sensors across the United States. These sensors detect the electromagnetic signals given off by lightning to provide information about the location, time, polarity, and amplitude of each lightning stroke. NLDN has a detection efficiency greater than 95% for cloud-ground lightning and has a location accuracy of better than 100 m.
The Cloud‐to‐Ground Lightning Surveillance System (CGLSS) located at the Kennedy Space Center consists of six medium-gain IMPACT Enhanced Sensitivity and Performance (ESP) sensors developed by Vaisala. The CGLSS network processes cloud-to-ground lightning signals by detecting an electromagnetic waveform of the return stroke, transmitting that data to a central processor that estimates stroke intensity and location, and sending the information to users in a real-time setting. Lightning occurrences from the network are used for decision support towards ground and launch activity on the Florida coast.
The Lightning Detection and Ranging (LDAR) instrumentation network is a volumetric lightning mapping system located at the Kennedy Space Center; with a center location at 28.54N and 80.64W. The LDAR system provided near-real time support of lightning occurrence and location for the Space Shuttle missions. The seven antennas that comprise the LDAR network allow detection of 99% of all intra-cloud and cloud to ground flashes that occur within 10 kilometers of the instrumentation. Each antenna detects the 66 Megahertz Very High Frequency (VHF) pulse from an intra-cloud flash and an electric field detector detects cloud to ground flashes by measuring changes to the electric field from the flash. The root mean square error of the location of each of the detected flashes varies between 100 meters from within the network to approximately 10 kilometers within 90 kilometers outside the network. Data from the LDAR system are currently provided by the Global Hydrology Resource Center.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Electricity > Electric Field
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
The Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR) is a dual-polarization C-band radar operated by the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). It is located at the Huntsville International Airport. ARMOR has a transmit frequency of 5625 MHz and a beam width of 0.9 degrees. ARMOR has a range-gate spacing of 125 m and 250 m, depending on the scan mode of the radar. ARMOR originally served as a WSR-74C radar for the National Weather Service before it was donated to UAH in 2002.
The Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) is a ground-based network of lightning detection sensors. An LMA network consists of very high frequency (VHF) antennas, GPS receivers, and processing systems that measure the location, time, and structure of total lightning. LMA has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 6-12 meters, a vertical resolution of approximately 20-30 meters, and a spatial extent of about 200 km from the network center. It has a typical sampling frequency of 10 µs with around 95% accuracy within 100 km of the network. LMA networks exist in several locations including Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Alabama, West Texas, Colorado, and Southern Ontario.
CSU-CHILL is an S- and X-band, dual-polarization scanning radar system operated by Colorado State University (CSU). It is a part of the CSU Research Facility located in Greeley, CO, but it can be transported. Simultaneous operation of the S-band (2.725 GHz) and X-band (9.41 GHz) radars allows for CSU-CHILL to provide high spatial resolution radar measurements, making it useful for hail detection. The S-band radar has a range resolution of 15-150 m and a typical range of 50-300 km. The X-band radar has a range resolution of 15-90 m and a typical range of 75-90 km. CSU-CHILL has a pulse-repetition time (PRT) of 800–2500 ms.
The Colorado State University Pawnee (CSU-PAWNEE) Doppler Radar was an S-band ground-based radar located in the Pawnee National Grasslands. It was operated by CSU and was often used in conjunction with the CSU-CHILL radar due to the close vicinity of the radars. CSU-PAWNEE operated at the 2.730 GHz frequency and had a typical range resolution of 30 m. CSU-PAWNEE was decommissioned in March 2015.
The Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) is an airborne S-band radar developed for weather and aircraft surveillance. MPAR has a non-rotating stationary panel, allowing for faster scans compared to standard weather radars. MPAR performs four scan modes simultaneously: Aircraft Track While Scan, Rapid Update Weather Scan, High Fidelity Horizon Weather Scan, and High Fidelity 3D Volume Weather Scan. It operates in the 2.7 to 2.9 GHz frequency range and has a beam width of 1.2 to 2 degrees.
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) is a ground-based network of lightning detection sensors. An LMA network consists of very high frequency (VHF) antennas, GPS receivers, and processing systems that measure the location, time, and structure of total lightning. LMA has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 6-12 meters, a vertical resolution of approximately 20-30 meters, and a spatial extent of about 200 km from the network center. It has a typical sampling frequency of 10 µs with around 95% accuracy within 100 km of the network. LMA networks exist in several locations including Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Alabama, West Texas, Colorado, and Southern Ontario.
If instrument model or detailed specification information is not available, can use this instrument entry for radiometers of various types (typically microwave-band) that are flown on aircraft.
Earth Science > >
If instrument model information is not available, can use this instrument entry for temperature, pressues, wind speed, wind direction, humidity
The Fourier Transformation Spectrometer (FTS) is a high-resolution airborne and ground-based spectrometer. FTS measures the solar radiance reflected from the surface, which can be used to derive measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. It has a spatial resolution of around 100m x 1000m and a measurement frequency of 1 Hz for typical research flight conditions.
The Picarro gas concentration analyzer is an in situ airborne or ground-based sensor manufactured by Picarro, Inc. It uses Wavelength-Scanned-Cavity Ring Spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) to measure trace gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and water vapor. For carbon dioxide measurements, the laser within Picarro operates at 1603 nm wavelength and 1651 nm wavelength for methane and water vapor measurements. Picarro has a typical sampling time of 2.5 seconds. Depending on the model, Picarro can also provide measurements of carbon isotopes for gas concentrations.
Stream gauges are ground-based sensors that provide in situ measurements of the stage or height of rivers and streams. The stream flow or discharge of the river can be derived from the stage measurements. Stream gauges can provide continuous measurements and are useful for monitoring flooding potential and water supply. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) maintains and operates a network of over 10,000 stream gauges across the United States to aid with flood forecasting and water management.
The Micro Rain Radar (MRR) is a ground-based, vertically pointing, continuous wave K-band (24.23 GHz) radar that measures various parameters of precipitation such as liquid water content and rain rate from near ground level to the lower troposphere. The backscatter received by the MRR’s antenna can measure precipitation size distributions in the range of 0.25 mm to 4.53 mm, as well as calculate the frequency shift of falling precipitation to be used to calculate its velocity. Additional applications of the MRR include locating bright bands, nowcasting precipitation, and capturing chemical transport during precipitation events.
The PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) Sensor reports the Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD), which corresponds to micromoles of photons per meter squared per second (μmol m-2 s-1). This is the power of electromagnetic radiation in the spectral range that is used by plants for photosynthesis (400–700 nm). It features a waterproof sensor head and can be used to measure PPFD from sunlight and electric light sources. This sensor is ideal for experiments investigating photosynthesis and primary productivity and can be used in many agricultural and environmental science applications.
Earth Science > >
The Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations (SMEAR) is a network of research stations across northern Europe operated by the University of Helsinki. Each station has various in situ instrumentation mounted on flux towers to collect temperature, humidity, wind direction/speed, radiation, and aerosol measurements. Measurements are taken daily at a typical sampling frequency of 1 minute.
Earth Science > Agriculture > Soils > Soil Temperature
The Cary Model 14 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer was a double beam recording spectrophotometer designed to operate over the wide spectral range of ultraviolet, visible and near infrared wavelengths (UV/Vis/NIR). This included wavelengths ranging from 185 nanometers to 870 nanometers.[1] (The Cary Model 14B, almost identical in exterior appearance, measured wavelengths from .5 to 6.0 microns.)
The Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) is a ground-based network of lightning detection sensors. An LMA network consists of very high frequency (VHF) antennas, GPS receivers, and processing systems that measure the location, time, and structure of total lightning. LMA has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 6-12 meters, a vertical resolution of approximately 20-30 meters, and a spatial extent of about 200 km from the network center. It has a typical sampling frequency of 10 µs with around 95% accuracy within 100 km of the network. LMA networks exist in several locations including Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Alabama, West Texas, Colorado, and Southern Ontario.
CSU-CHILL is an S- and X-band, dual-polarization scanning radar system operated by Colorado State University (CSU). It is a part of the CSU Research Facility located in Greeley, CO, but it can be transported. Simultaneous operation of the S-band (2.725 GHz) and X-band (9.41 GHz) radars allows for CSU-CHILL to provide high spatial resolution radar measurements, making it useful for hail detection. The S-band radar has a range resolution of 15-150 m and a typical range of 50-300 km. The X-band radar has a range resolution of 15-90 m and a typical range of 75-90 km. CSU-CHILL has a pulse-repetition time (PRT) of 800–2500 ms.
The Colorado State University Pawnee (CSU-PAWNEE) Doppler Radar was an S-band ground-based radar located in the Pawnee National Grasslands. It was operated by CSU and was often used in conjunction with the CSU-CHILL radar due to the close vicinity of the radars. CSU-PAWNEE operated at the 2.730 GHz frequency and had a typical range resolution of 30 m. CSU-PAWNEE was decommissioned in March 2015.
If instrument model information is not available, can use this instrument entry for temperature, pressues, wind speed, wind direction, humidity
Earth Science > >
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
Ceilometers are ground-based, remote-sensing sensors that provide measurements of cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They use either a laser beam or another light source to detect backscatter of clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers can provide detailed and accurate measurements in all types of weather conditions and have low operating costs. Ceilometers are typically used in boundary layer and cloud research applications.
The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer used to measure column amounts of trace gases in the atmosphere. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy for retrievals of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral region at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can make both direct sun and all-sky radiance measurements and has an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is a part of a network of identical instruments known as the Pandonia Global Network.
If instrument model information is not available, can use this instrument entry for temperature, pressues, wind speed, wind direction, humidity
Earth Science > >
The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global ground-based network of Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems that has been active since 1999. MPLNET provides continuous measurements of aerosol and cloud vertical structure as well as boundary layer height from the surface up to 30 km. The MPL systems operate at a wavelength range of 523-532 nm and have a vertically-resolved spatial resolution of 30 to 75 m depending on the station. Many of the MPLNET sites are co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to help reduce errors in retrievals.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
If instrument name or model is not available but documents show that specific chemical compounds or constituents or their properties were observed, can use instrument entry. Examples include: CO, CO2, NO, NO2, N2O, HNO3, HNO4, OH, H2SO4, CH3CN, O3, H2O, halocarbons, VOCs, nitrates, aerosols (including CCN), aerosol optical properties, etc...
Earth Science > >
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer used to measure column amounts of trace gases in the atmosphere. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy for retrievals of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral region at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can make both direct sun and all-sky radiance measurements and has an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is a part of a network of identical instruments known as the Pandonia Global Network.
If instrument model information is not available, can use this instrument entry for temperature, pressues, wind speed, wind direction, humidity
Earth Science > >
The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global ground-based network of Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems that has been active since 1999. MPLNET provides continuous measurements of aerosol and cloud vertical structure as well as boundary layer height from the surface up to 30 km. The MPL systems operate at a wavelength range of 523-532 nm and have a vertically-resolved spatial resolution of 30 to 75 m depending on the station. Many of the MPLNET sites are co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to help reduce errors in retrievals.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
If instrument name or model is not available but documents show that specific chemical compounds or constituents or their properties were observed, can use instrument entry. Examples include: CO, CO2, NO, NO2, N2O, HNO3, HNO4, OH, H2SO4, CH3CN, O3, H2O, halocarbons, VOCs, nitrates, aerosols (including CCN), aerosol optical properties, etc...
Earth Science > >
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
Ceilometers are ground-based, remote-sensing sensors that provide measurements of cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They use either a laser beam or another light source to detect backscatter of clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers can provide detailed and accurate measurements in all types of weather conditions and have low operating costs. Ceilometers are typically used in boundary layer and cloud research applications.
The NASA Goddard Tropospheric Ozone Lidar (TROPOZ) is a mobile, ground-based lidar that is part of the Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet). It uses the differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique to measure ozone at 289 nm and 299 nm. TROPOZ has a range resolution of 15 m, a repetition rate of 50 Hz, and can generate ozone profiles from 0.35 to 16 km above ground level.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Tropospheric Ozone
The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer used to measure column amounts of trace gases in the atmosphere. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy for retrievals of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral region at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can make both direct sun and all-sky radiance measurements and has an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is a part of a network of identical instruments known as the Pandonia Global Network.
If instrument model information is not available, can use this instrument entry for temperature, pressues, wind speed, wind direction, humidity
Earth Science > >
The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global ground-based network of Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems that has been active since 1999. MPLNET provides continuous measurements of aerosol and cloud vertical structure as well as boundary layer height from the surface up to 30 km. The MPL systems operate at a wavelength range of 523-532 nm and have a vertically-resolved spatial resolution of 30 to 75 m depending on the station. Many of the MPLNET sites are co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to help reduce errors in retrievals.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
If instrument name or model is not available but documents show that specific chemical compounds or constituents or their properties were observed, can use instrument entry. Examples include: CO, CO2, NO, NO2, N2O, HNO3, HNO4, OH, H2SO4, CH3CN, O3, H2O, halocarbons, VOCs, nitrates, aerosols (including CCN), aerosol optical properties, etc...
Earth Science > >
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global ground-based network of Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems that has been active since 1999. MPLNET provides continuous measurements of aerosol and cloud vertical structure as well as boundary layer height from the surface up to 30 km. The MPL systems operate at a wavelength range of 523-532 nm and have a vertically-resolved spatial resolution of 30 to 75 m depending on the station. Many of the MPLNET sites are co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to help reduce errors in retrievals.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
This data will be added in future versions.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Pressure
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global ground-based network of Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems that has been active since 1999. MPLNET provides continuous measurements of aerosol and cloud vertical structure as well as boundary layer height from the surface up to 30 km. The MPL systems operate at a wavelength range of 523-532 nm and have a vertically-resolved spatial resolution of 30 to 75 m depending on the station. Many of the MPLNET sites are co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to help reduce errors in retrievals.
If instrument model or detailed specification information is not available, can use this instrument entry for radiometers of various types (typically microwave-band) that are flown on aircraft.
Earth Science > >
The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer used to measure column amounts of trace gases in the atmosphere. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy for retrievals of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral region at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can make both direct sun and all-sky radiance measurements and has an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is a part of a network of identical instruments known as the Pandonia Global Network.
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global ground-based network of Micro-Pulse Lidar (MPL) systems that has been active since 1999. MPLNET provides continuous measurements of aerosol and cloud vertical structure as well as boundary layer height from the surface up to 30 km. The MPL systems operate at a wavelength range of 523-532 nm and have a vertically-resolved spatial resolution of 30 to 75 m depending on the station. Many of the MPLNET sites are co-located with sites in the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) to help reduce errors in retrievals.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer used to measure column amounts of trace gases in the atmosphere. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy for retrievals of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral region at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can make both direct sun and all-sky radiance measurements and has an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is a part of a network of identical instruments known as the Pandonia Global Network.
The Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) is a network of high-resolution, S-band radars operated by the National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Air Force. NEXRAD measures the magnitude of the returned energy to provide reflectivity, velocity, and spectrum width observations, which can be processed to create mosaic maps of precipitation. NEXRAD radars typically operate with a 0.9 degree beamwidth, 0.25-1 km spatial resolution, and 230-460 km maximum range. There are currently over 160 NEXRAD radars operating in the United States and select overseas locations.
The Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) is a ground-based network of lightning detection sensors. An LMA network consists of very high frequency (VHF) antennas, GPS receivers, and processing systems that measure the location, time, and structure of total lightning. LMA has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 6-12 meters, a vertical resolution of approximately 20-30 meters, and a spatial extent of about 200 km from the network center. It has a typical sampling frequency of 10 µs with around 95% accuracy within 100 km of the network. LMA networks exist in several locations including Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Alabama, West Texas, Colorado, and Southern Ontario.
The Electric Field Change Meter is an instrument that detects changes in the electric field that occur after lightning flashes. It has been used as both a field instrument and an airborne instrument. It has a high temporal resolution, making it useful for taking measurements before, during, and after lightning flashes.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Electricity > Electric Field
The Total Sky Imager (TSI) is a ground-based, optical instrument that is manufactured by Yankee Environmental Systems (YES), Inc. TSI can provide full-color, hemispheric images of the sky during the day by using a charge-coupled device (CCD) imager. It also can provide measurements of fractional sky cover and sun obscuration by cloud. TSI can be mounted on mobile platforms such as trailers and research vehicles, allowing it to collect cloud cover measurements in various locations during a field investigation.
The Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) is a ground-based passive interferometer developed by the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center (UW-SSEC) for the Department of Energy (DoE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program. It uses Fourier transform spectroscopy to measure downwelling thermal infrared emissions from the atmosphere. These measurements can be used to provide profile measurements of atmospheric temperature and water vapor and detect trace gases. AERI operates across the 3.3-19 μm spectral range and up to 25 μm for the extended range version of the instrument. It has an optimal vertical resolution of 100 meters and completes a full sky scan about every 20 seconds.
The Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is an airborne lidar system designed at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses four lasers to detect lidar backscatter to provide profile measurements of ozone and aerosols in the atmosphere. DIAL operates in the ultraviolet (289-300 nm) for ozone measurements and operates in the visible (572-600 nm) and infrared (1064 nm) for aerosols. It has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 15 km and has a measurement accuracy of 5 ppbv.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
The Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is an airborne lidar system designed at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses four lasers to detect lidar backscatter to provide profile measurements of ozone and aerosols in the atmosphere. DIAL operates in the ultraviolet (289-300 nm) for ozone measurements and operates in the visible (572-600 nm) and infrared (1064 nm) for aerosols. It has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 15 km and has a measurement accuracy of 5 ppbv.
The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer used to measure column amounts of trace gases in the atmosphere. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy for retrievals of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral region at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can make both direct sun and all-sky radiance measurements and has an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is a part of a network of identical instruments known as the Pandonia Global Network.
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
The National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) is a remote, ground-based network operated by Vaisala. It consists of over 100 lightning detection sensors across the United States. These sensors detect the electromagnetic signals given off by lightning to provide information about the location, time, polarity, and amplitude of each lightning stroke. NLDN has a detection efficiency greater than 95% for cloud-ground lightning and has a location accuracy of better than 100 m.
The Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is an airborne lidar system designed at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses four lasers to detect lidar backscatter to provide profile measurements of ozone and aerosols in the atmosphere. DIAL operates in the ultraviolet (289-300 nm) for ozone measurements and operates in the visible (572-600 nm) and infrared (1064 nm) for aerosols. It has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 15 km and has a measurement accuracy of 5 ppbv.
If instrument model information is not available, can use this instrument entry for temperature, pressues, wind speed, wind direction, humidity
Earth Science > >
If instrument name or model is not available but documents show that specific chemical compounds or constituents or their properties were observed, can use instrument entry. Examples include: CO, CO2, NO, NO2, N2O, HNO3, HNO4, OH, H2SO4, CH3CN, O3, H2O, halocarbons, VOCs, nitrates, aerosols (including CCN), aerosol optical properties, etc...
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If instrument model or detailed specification information is not available, can use this instrument entry for radiometers of various types (typically microwave-band) that are flown on aircraft.
Earth Science > >
The microwave radiometers (MWRs) are ground-based radiometers manufactured by Radiometrics Corporation and operated by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Research Facility. MWR measures brightness temperature at 23.8 and 31.4 GHz to derive column-integrated amounts of water vapor and liquid water in the atmosphere. MWR has a field of view (FOV) from about 5.9 to 4.5 degrees depending on the channel and has a typical time resolution of 20 s for sky-view observations.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > Water Vapor
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Microwave > Brightness Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor
This data will be added in future versions
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The Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) is a ground-based passive interferometer developed by the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center (UW-SSEC) for the Department of Energy (DoE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program. It uses Fourier transform spectroscopy to measure downwelling thermal infrared emissions from the atmosphere. These measurements can be used to provide profile measurements of atmospheric temperature and water vapor and detect trace gases. AERI operates across the 3.3-19 μm spectral range and up to 25 μm for the extended range version of the instrument. It has an optimal vertical resolution of 100 meters and completes a full sky scan about every 20 seconds.
The Radiation Measurement System (RAMS) is an airborne passive radiometer that measures broadband solar irradiance. RAMS consists of two radiometers: the Total Solar Broadband Radiometer (TSBR) and the Fractional Solar Broadband Radiometer (FSBR). The TSBR operates in the 0.224 to 3.91 μm range while the FSBR operates between 0.68 to 3.3 μm. It has a response time of about 60 msec and can provide measurements about every 5 m for aircraft speeds around 75 m/s. RAMS is typically used for airborne operations, but it can be used to collect ground-based measurements as well.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Solar Irradiance
The Solar Spectral Flux Radiometer (SSFR) is an airborne radiometer developed by the Ames Atmospheric Radiation Group. It provides remotely sensed measurements of solar spectral irradiance in the troposphere. SSFR operates across the 300-2150 nm wavelength range and has a spectral resolution of 8-12 nm. It has a typical data collection rate of 1 Hz and has a radiometric accuracy of 3%.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Solar Irradiance
This data will be added in future versions
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Infrared Wavelengths > Brightness Temperature
This data will be added in future versions.
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The Total Sky Imager (TSI) is a ground-based, optical instrument that is manufactured by Yankee Environmental Systems (YES), Inc. TSI can provide full-color, hemispheric images of the sky during the day by using a charge-coupled device (CCD) imager. It also can provide measurements of fractional sky cover and sun obscuration by cloud. TSI can be mounted on mobile platforms such as trailers and research vehicles, allowing it to collect cloud cover measurements in various locations during a field investigation.
The Fourier Transformation Spectrometer (FTS) is a high-resolution airborne and ground-based spectrometer. FTS measures the solar radiance reflected from the surface, which can be used to derive measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. It has a spatial resolution of around 100m x 1000m and a measurement frequency of 1 Hz for typical research flight conditions.
Ceilometers are ground-based, remote-sensing sensors that provide measurements of cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They use either a laser beam or another light source to detect backscatter of clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers can provide detailed and accurate measurements in all types of weather conditions and have low operating costs. Ceilometers are typically used in boundary layer and cloud research applications.
The Radio Acoustic Sounding System (RASS) is an active ground-based acoustic sounder that provides profiles of virtual temperature. It uses radar techniques to measure acoustic disturbances to derive the virtual temperature. They are typically used in conjunction with radar wind profilers (RWPs) and operate at frequencies of 915 MHz and 1290 MHz. RASS has a sampling rate of around 5 to 15 minutes, a 150 m vertical resolution, and a 60 m horizontal resolution.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Boundary Layer Temperature
If instrument model or detailed specification information is not available, can use this instrument entry for radiometers of various types (typically microwave-band) that are flown on aircraft.
The Fourier Transformation Spectrometer (FTS) is a high-resolution airborne and ground-based spectrometer. FTS measures the solar radiance reflected from the surface, which can be used to derive measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. It has a spatial resolution of around 100m x 1000m and a measurement frequency of 1 Hz for typical research flight conditions.
The Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is an airborne lidar system designed at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses four lasers to detect lidar backscatter to provide profile measurements of ozone and aerosols in the atmosphere. DIAL operates in the ultraviolet (289-300 nm) for ozone measurements and operates in the visible (572-600 nm) and infrared (1064 nm) for aerosols. It has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 15 km and has a measurement accuracy of 5 ppbv.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
This data will be added in future versions
Earth Science > >
The Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) is a style of instrument used for measuring trace gases in the atmosphere. The DOAS technique is used to identify and quantify trace gases using their narrow band absorptions. DOAS is a remote sensing spectrometer. It has a high temporal resolution. The DOAS technique has been in use since the 1980’s.
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
If instrument model or detailed specification information is not available, can use this instrument entry for radiometers of various types (typically microwave-band) that are flown on aircraft.
The Fourier Transformation Spectrometer (FTS) is a high-resolution airborne and ground-based spectrometer. FTS measures the solar radiance reflected from the surface, which can be used to derive measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. It has a spatial resolution of around 100m x 1000m and a measurement frequency of 1 Hz for typical research flight conditions.
The Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) is an airborne lidar system designed at NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC). It uses four lasers to detect lidar backscatter to provide profile measurements of ozone and aerosols in the atmosphere. DIAL operates in the ultraviolet (289-300 nm) for ozone measurements and operates in the visible (572-600 nm) and infrared (1064 nm) for aerosols. It has a horizontal spatial resolution of approximately 15 km and has a measurement accuracy of 5 ppbv.
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Lidar > Lidar Depolarization Ratio
This data will be added in future versions
Earth Science > >
The Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) is a style of instrument used for measuring trace gases in the atmosphere. The DOAS technique is used to identify and quantify trace gases using their narrow band absorptions. DOAS is a remote sensing spectrometer. It has a high temporal resolution. The DOAS technique has been in use since the 1980’s.
Rain gauges are ground-based instruments that provide in situ measurements of liquid precipitation amounts over a set time. There are multiple types of rain gauges that each collect and record data differently such as the tipping bucket rain gauge and weighing precipitation gauge. Rain gauges can be deployed in various locations due to their relatively small size and easy set-up and are typically colocated with other precipitation instruments such as disdrometers to provide more details about precipitation being collected such as precipitation rate and size distribution.
Earth Science > Land Surface > Soils > Soil Temperature
Stream gauges are ground-based sensors that provide in situ measurements of the stage or height of rivers and streams. The stream flow or discharge of the river can be derived from the stage measurements. Stream gauges can provide continuous measurements and are useful for monitoring flooding potential and water supply. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) maintains and operates a network of over 10,000 stream gauges across the United States to aid with flood forecasting and water management.
Earth Science > Terrestrial Hydrosphere > Surface Water > Surface Water Processes/measurements > Stage Height
Soil moisture probes are in situ ground-based sensors used to measure soil water content. The most common type of soil moisture probes used for scientific research use dielectric permittivity techniques such as capacitance sensors or time-domain reflectometry sensors. These types of probes measure the charge-storage capacity of the soil to determine the soil moisture content. They typically operate at frequencies around 50 MHz and above to reduce sensitivity to salinity. Soil moisture probes provide continuous measurements and are relatively easy to deploy.
Rain gauges are ground-based instruments that provide in situ measurements of liquid precipitation amounts over a set time. There are multiple types of rain gauges that each collect and record data differently such as the tipping bucket rain gauge and weighing precipitation gauge. Rain gauges can be deployed in various locations due to their relatively small size and easy set-up and are typically colocated with other precipitation instruments such as disdrometers to provide more details about precipitation being collected such as precipitation rate and size distribution.
Earth Science > Land Surface > Soils > Soil Temperature
Soil moisture probes are in situ ground-based sensors used to measure soil water content. The most common type of soil moisture probes used for scientific research use dielectric permittivity techniques such as capacitance sensors or time-domain reflectometry sensors. These types of probes measure the charge-storage capacity of the soil to determine the soil moisture content. They typically operate at frequencies around 50 MHz and above to reduce sensitivity to salinity. Soil moisture probes provide continuous measurements and are relatively easy to deploy.
The Inexpensive Network Sensor Technology for Exploring Pollution (INSTEP) is an in situ, ground-based network of low-cost gas sensors. These sensors were based on a design from the Hannigan Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder. INSTEP monitors various trace gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. Measurements are typically provided every 1 minute. INSTEP sensors were initially deployed across the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles Basin.
The Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) is an interagency initiative among NASA, NOAA, and USEPA starting in 2011. TOLNet provides highly time-resolved measurements of tropospheric ozone profiles that support air quality research and satellite validation. TOLNet consists of six different sensors across the United States: Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Table Mountain tropospheric Ozone DIfferential Absorption Lidar (JPL-TMO DIAL), NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory Tunable Optical Profiler for Aerosol and oZone (TOPAZ), University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Rocket-city Ozone Quality Evaluation in the Troposphere (RO3QET), Goddard Space Flight Center’s TROPospheric OZone-DIfferential Absorption Lidar (TROPOZ DIAL), Langley Research Center’s Langley Mobile Ozone Lidar (LMOL), and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Autonomous Mobile Ozone LIDAR Instrument for Tropospheric Experiments (AMOLITE). The mobile systems within TOLNet can be deployed in the field to provide collocated measurements of ozone with balloon and airborne sensors.
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Air Quality > Tropospheric Ozone
The Pandora Spectrometer System is a ground-based UV-VIS spectrometer used to measure column amounts of trace gases in the atmosphere. It uses total optical absorption spectroscopy for retrievals of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and other trace gases. Pandora operates in the 280-525 nm spectral region at a resolution of 0.6 nm. It can make both direct sun and all-sky radiance measurements and has an overall measurement time of 80 seconds. Pandora is a part of a network of identical instruments known as the Pandonia Global Network.
If instrument model or detailed specification information is not available, can use this instrument entry for radiometers of various types (typically microwave-band) that are flown on aircraft.
Earth Science > >
If instrument model information is not available, can use this instrument entry for temperature, pressues, wind speed, wind direction, humidity
Earth Science > >
This data will be added in future versions
Earth Science > >
The Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) is a ground-based passive interferometer developed by the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center (UW-SSEC) for the Department of Energy (DoE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program. It uses Fourier transform spectroscopy to measure downwelling thermal infrared emissions from the atmosphere. These measurements can be used to provide profile measurements of atmospheric temperature and water vapor and detect trace gases. AERI operates across the 3.3-19 μm spectral range and up to 25 μm for the extended range version of the instrument. It has an optimal vertical resolution of 100 meters and completes a full sky scan about every 20 seconds.
The Micro Rain Radar (MRR) is a ground-based, vertically pointing, continuous wave K-band (24.23 GHz) radar that measures various parameters of precipitation such as liquid water content and rain rate from near ground level to the lower troposphere. The backscatter received by the MRR’s antenna can measure precipitation size distributions in the range of 0.25 mm to 4.53 mm, as well as calculate the frequency shift of falling precipitation to be used to calculate its velocity. Additional applications of the MRR include locating bright bands, nowcasting precipitation, and capturing chemical transport during precipitation events.
Ceilometers are ground-based, remote-sensing sensors that provide measurements of cloud ceilings and vertical visibility. They use either a laser beam or another light source to detect backscatter of clouds, precipitation, and aerosols. Ceilometers can provide detailed and accurate measurements in all types of weather conditions and have low operating costs. Ceilometers are typically used in boundary layer and cloud research applications.
If instrument model or detailed specification information is not available, can use this instrument entry for radiometers of various types (typically microwave-band) that are flown on aircraft.
Earth Science > >
A pyrometer is a remote-sensing infrared thermometer that measures the temperature of distant objects. It determines the temperature of an object by detecting its thermal radiation. It can be deployed on aircraft, ground, or water-based platforms for surface and sea surface temperature observations. For atmospheric studies, the pyrometer typically operates in the 9.6 to 11.5 µm spectral range and has a temperature range of -25 to 200 degrees Celsius. Pyrometers have a typical response time of 5 ms to 600 s.
Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Temperature > Sea Surface Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature > Skin Temperature
Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature > Surface Temperature
Earth Science > Spectral/engineering > Infrared Wavelengths > Brightness Temperature
This data will be added in future versions
Earth Science > >
If instrument model information is not available, can use this instrument entry for temperature, pressues, wind speed, wind direction, humidity
Earth Science > >
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
The Ultra-High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer (UHSAS) is an in situ spectrometer manufactured by Droplet Measurement Technologies. It can be utilized on both airborne and ground-based platforms to measure aerosol size distribution and concentration. UHSAS determines the particle size by detecting the peak light signals of the aerosol particles which are illuminated by a 1054 nm laser. UHSAS can sample particles within the 60 - 1000 nm size range and has a sampling frequency of 10 Hz.
The Langley Aerosol Research Group Experiment (LARGE) is an in situ airborne instrument suite that measures aerosol and cloud microphysical and optical properties such as size distribution, number concentration, and scattering and absorption coefficient. LARGE consists of multiple instruments including the Ultra-High Sensitivity Aerosol Spectrometer (UHSAS), Particle-Into-Liquid Sampler (PILS), Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP), Cloud and Aerosol Spectrometer (CAS), Cloud Imaging Probe (CIP), and additional cloud and aerosol sensors. The LARGE instruments operate across the 450-700 nm wavelength range, can detect particles in the size range between 0.003-20μm, and have a measurement frequency of 1 Hz. It is typically used for airborne measurements, but it also can be deployed on ground-based platforms such as vehicles.
The AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) is a federated network of ground-based remote sensing aerosol sensors established by NASA and the PHOtométrie pour le Traitement Opérationnel de Normalisation Satellitaire (PHOTONS) in 1993. Each AERONET site consists of a CIMEL Electronique sunphotometer that provides measurements of sun irradiance and sky radiances. These measurements can be used to retrieve aerosol properties such as aerosol optical depth and extinction. The sunphotometers operate across nine wavelengths (340, 380, 440, 500, 675, 870, 937, 1020, and 1640 nm) and provide aerosol measurements approximately every 15 min. AERONET sites are located across the world, making it possible to map around 90% of the Earth’s surface.
