VITAL I: Vertical profiling of the troposphere: Innovation, optimization and application, Part I

VITAL I took place from 12-23 August 2024 at the Jülich Observatory for Cloud Evolution (JOYCE), which is a National Facility of the ACTRIS European Research Infrastructure Consortium. Novel types of Atmospheric Boundayr Layer (ABL) profilers, that are being considered for next-generation ABL observational networks were thoroughly tested and evaluated. VITAL I is a core activity of the Hans Ertel Centre for Weather Research, a joint research initiative between German atmospheric research institutions and the German Meteorological Service DWD. A vertical profiling data set incuding multi-copter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and the ground-based remote sensing profilers Doppler lidar, water vapor lidar and microwave radiometer was created and evaluated against the also included radiosondes and data from a 120 m meteorological tower. The data sets includes the following instrumental data vital_i_dl_wls200_kit: Doppler Lidar derived 3D wind vector profiles, instrument provided by Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT) vital_i_ec_meteotower_uoc: EC measurements at 120 m meteorological tower at Forschungszentrum Jülich, instrument provided by University of Cologne vital_i_meteotower_fzj: standard meteorology at 120 m meteorological tower at Forschungszentrum Jülich, instrument provided by Forschungszentrum Jülich vital_i_mwr_hamhat_uhh: Microwave radiometer derived temperature and humdity profiles, instrument provide by University of Hamburg vital_i_mwr_joyhat_uoc: Microwave radiometer derived temperature and humdity profiles, instrument provide by University of Cologne vital_i_uas_utue: UAS observations of wind, turbulence, temperature and humidity profiles, instruments provided by University of Tübingen vital_i_wvdial_kit: Water vapor lidar (DIAL) observations of water vapor profile, instrument provided by Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT)