Utilizing NASA Resources to Provide Multi-Frequency Observations of Clouds and Precipitation for ACE and CaPPM Ground Validation

Both the ACE and CaPPM missions recognize the value of multi-frequency, dual-polarization, Doppler (W, Ka, Ku band) radar remote sensing tools as a means to profile the cloud particle and precipitation process continuum to gain a better understanding of cloud physics (e.g., transitions of aerosol to cloud and subsequent rain water) and climate impacts.

Further, the addition of a Ku frequency to NPOL allows GSFC to be the only facility capable of co-aligned, time synchronous Ku measurements with non-attenuating measurements spanning light-precipitation to heavy rain, and thus span satellite- and ground-based D3R radar measurements. Collectively these radars will provide pre-launch science algorithm development data and post-launch validation for both the ACE and CaPPM missions.  Further, the intrinsic transportability of all three radars will be maintained, thus allowing for flexibility in the targeting of cloud and precipitation observations to specific climate regimes.

Historically, NASA missions such as the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) missions were designed to be research programs; however, the global observations of rainfall as well as tropical and other cyclones were quickly recognized by other agencies, such as the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA) as important operational tools to be utilized for forecasting and public safety  The upcoming ACE and CaPPM missions are also likely to provide valuable global measurements for aerosols and cloud processes that will be similarly used by other agencies such as NOAA.  This study will serve a valuable role in validating both the ACE and CaPPM missions.