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image of clouds in the atmosphere
satellite image of clouds over Canada

C3VP

Canadian CloudSat/CALIPSO Validation Project

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission Ground Validation (GPM GV) campaign used a variety of methods for validation of GPM satellite constellation measurements prior to and after launch of the GPM Core Satellite, which launched on February 27, 2014. The instrument validation effort included numerous GPM-specific and joint agency/international external field campaigns, using state of the art cloud and precipitation observational infrastructure (polarimetric radars, profilers, rain gauges, and disdrometers). These field campaigns accounted for the majority of the effort and resources expended by GPM GV (Ground Validation) mission.

The Canadian CloudSat/Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) Validation Project (C3VP) was a collaborative international field campaign that took place in southern Canada during the 2006/2007 winter season. With the help of multiple organizations, including the NASA GPM and Precipitation Measurement Mission (PMM) science teams, the campaign used various ground-based and airborne instrumentation to thoroughly study cold season precipitation systems and therefore improve the modeling and remote sensing of snowfall.

The C3VP campaign took place in the vicinity of the Centre for Atmospheric Research Experiments (CARE) in the Great Lakes region of Ontario, Canada. The site was operated by the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC). 

The main objectives of the campaign were to capture more ground and airborne observations of winter precipitation, to validate data from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) and NASA CloudSat satellites, and to further improve the remote sensing and modeling of winter precipitation.

Study Dates2006 - 2007 winter season
RegionOntario, Canada
Phenomena StudiedCold season precipitation systems

The following links provide more details about NASA's C3VP campaign.