FPI Data Files

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The FPI data files contain Fabry-Perot interferometer horizontal thermospheric meridional and zonal winds and wind errors in (m/s). In addition to the wind values, the file also includes the directions, at which the wind data were taken as ASCII codes for (N, S for meridional wind, and E, W for zonal wind). Finally, the sky condition is included as an additional data flag. When there is a cloud detector, the skytemp is provided. When there is no cloud detector, cloud index may be provided.


The columns are as follows:

1. yyddd (earlier Resolute data yyyyddd)
2. ut (hr) for meridional wind
3. meridional wind (m/s) positive is north
4. meridional wind error (m/s)
5. direction indicator (N,S; 78, 83)
6. ut (hr) for meridional wind
7. zonal wind (m/s) positive is east
8. zonal wind errors (m/s)
9 .direction indicator (E,W; 69,87)
10. skytemp or cloud index (before cloud detector was available, index from local weather station). If there is no last column, then the wind data have been visual inspected to be good data).

Notes on skytemp: If the temperature is less -25C, it means the sky is mostly clear. The cloud detector monitors the sky based on IR radiation reflection from the cloud. High IR reflection means higher sky temperature.


Notes on cloud index (only available for earlier Resolute data); The cloud index (from Environment Canada):

4 clear, 3 mainly clear, 2 ice crystals (data may still be useful), 1 ice crystals and blowing snow (data may still be useful), 0 blowing snow (data may still be useful), -1 mostly cloudy, -2 cloud, -3 snow, -4 snow blowing snow, -5 fog, -6 cloudy,


Data Citation

Please cite the DOI when using or referencing the data set.

Palmer Fabry-Perot Interferometer Wind Data DOI: 10.5065/D6CV4G42
Resolute Fabry-Perot Interferometer Wind Data DOI: 10.5065/D6833QDN
Boulder Fabry-Perot Interferometer Wind Data DOI: 10.5065/D64B2ZPX


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This material is based upon work supported by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a major facility sponsored by the National Science Foundation and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.