Ground Validation
Content related to ground validation activities and field campaigns.
Gail Skofronick-Jackson at the SkyDive Airport
![Gail Skofronick-Jackson at the SkyDive airport Gail Skofronick-Jackson at the SkyDive airport](/sites/default/files/imageGallery/IMG_1009.jpg)
The antenna on the top of the trailer is a Micro Rain Radar (MRR). Note the large double fencing around additional instruments behind the trailer. The double fencing reduces errors due to blowing snow. Photo taken 7 February 2012.
Hot Plate Sensor at GCPEx
![Close-up of the hot-plate sensor Close-up of the hot-plate sensor](/sites/default/files/imageGallery/IMG_1006.jpg)
The sensor reacts by applying voltage to maintain the equal temperatures. The voltage is then converted to Watts (a measure of the power taken to evaporate the precipitation). This power is divided by the heat needed to evaporate one gram of water, thus providing the total grams of water falling on the hot plate. Photo taken 7 February 2012.
Pluvio Snow Sensor at GCPEx
![The Pluvio snow sensor The Pluvio snow sensor](/sites/default/files/imageGallery/IMG_1003.jpg)
Note the metal “double fencing” around the instrument. This reduces inaccuracies in the measurements due to blowing snow. Photo taken 7 February 2012.
GCPEx Ground Instruments
![Multiple GCPEx ground instruments at the CARE site. Multiple GCPEx ground instruments at the CARE site.](/sites/default/files/imageGallery/IMG_1002.jpg)
Note the low snow amounts on the ground. Sensors left to right are: ADMIRARI (radiometer; U. Bonn), D3R (radar; NASA), DPR (radar; U. Koln). [This dual-precipitation radar (DRR) is not the same as to be on the GPM spacecraft.]
In the CARE Operations Trailer
![In the CARE Operations Trailer In the CARE Operations Trailer](/sites/default/files/imageGallery/IMG_0996.jpg)
Three Days, Two Snowstorms
Filming Snowflakes at GCPEx
![Stephen Kelly films snowflakes near the CARE trailer Stephen Kelly films snowflakes near the CARE trailer](/sites/default/files/imageGallery/Jan_31_dark_setup_GCPEx.png)
Cleaning Ice off the D3R at GCPEx
![Scientist Vijay Mishra cleans ice off the D3R Scientist Vijay Mishra cleans ice off the D3R](/sites/default/files/imageGallery/Jan_31st_D3R.png)