GPM GROUND VALIDATION NOAA S-BAND PROFILER RAW DATA NETCDF FORMAT MC3E

The GPM Ground Validation NOAA S-Band Profiler Raw Data NetCDF Format MC3E dataset was gathered during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) in Oklahoma April 8, 2011 to June 7, 2011 and consists of uncalibrated Doppler velocity spectra data in units of relative power return. The overarching goal was to provide the most complete characterization of convective cloud systems, precipitation, and the environment that has ever been obtained, providing constraints for model cumulus parameterizations and space-based rainfall retrieval algorithms over land that had never before been available. The S-band 2.8 GHz profiler points vertically and measures the backscattered power from raindrops and ice particles as precipitating cloud systems pass overhead. The profiler processes radar pulses during a 7-second dwell before calculating and saving uncalibrated Doppler velocity spectra at each range gate that were separated by 60-meters vertically. Data collected during each hour are saved in two files. All precipitation mode profiles are saved in one hourly data file and all attenuated mode profiles are saved in another hourly data file. Calibrated data can be obtained from the S-band Original Dwell and Minute datasets.