| Mission Science Report Archive | |
| Mission Date: 09/19/2001 Mission Scientist: Zipser, Edward |
Sortie Number: DC-8 010415 ER-2 01-139 Aerosonde None |
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Mission Description:
3 a/c mission for KAMP, with DC-8, ER-2, and NOAA P3. Duration about 5 hours, and location centered about 60-80 km east of the SMART-R and X-POL radars. |
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Mission Objective:
The objective was straighthforward: To sample a convective system within range of the KAMP radars with all 3 aircraft, and to obtain radar, microphysics, and remote sensing measurements in a coordinated manner for as long as possible in the same system. |
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Mission Notes:
This mission was the most successful KAMP mission to date. The weather cooperated by stationing a strong multicell thunderstorm over the Keys not far east of the KAMP radars, waiting for the aircraft upon their arrival. Unlike previous KAMP missions where the target dissipated shortly after the aircraft started working it, this target maintained its identity for 3 hours, going from early mature to mostly dissipated. The first two passes for the DC8 encountered strong convective drafts, which the ER2 overflew, estimating tops at 55,000 ft. The system gradually decayed, and for the final passes evolved into stratified multi-layered cirrus decks which were obvious visually and on the LASE up/down time sections. The CPI, PMS, LIP, and PR-2 (14 GHz) all worked very well, so this should be an extremely valuable mission for microphysics. |
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Ground/Other Assets Summary:
See Biggerstaff's report for KAMP assets and their operation on this day |
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