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Cloud and Aerosol Particle Characterization (CAPAC) is a series of three instruments: the Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe model 300 (FSSP-300), the Two Dimensional Optical Array Probes [Cloud and Precipitation Probes (2D-P)], and the CAPAC video. These instruments flew during the Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) campaign aboard the NASA DC-8, mounted on the left wing.

Cloud and aerosol particles are exposed to laser light to measure particle size from 0.3 micrometer to 6.4 millimeter, and both size and shape between 40 micrometer and 6.4 millimeter particle diameter as function of particle size. The size distributions thus determined will be integrated to yield particle surface area, and ice and liquid water contents in clouds and precipitation.

Instrument Type

In Situ/Laboratory Instrument

Instrument Subtype

Probe

Specifications

Resolution

Spatial

2 km (at 200 m/sec aircraft speed)

Temporal

.1 Hz

Platforms

Related Data Centers/Projects

GHRC DAAC

NASA's Global Hydrometeorology Resource Center Distributed Active Archive Center provides data on hazardous weather, its governing dynamical and physical processes, and associated applications.
CAMEX-3

The Convection and Moisture Experiment 3 (CAMEX-3) studied tropical cyclone development, tracking, intensification, and landfalling impacts.

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