The ER-2 and the P-3 performed three coordinated science flights on September 10, 12, and 14.  Amongst many other instruments were JPL’s AirMSPI onboard the ER-2 and APR-3 on the P-3.  Initial qualitative data analysis shows a distinct smoke layer embedded between the low marine stratocumulus cloud layer and mid-level convective cumulus clouds. A few high cirrus clouds were observed as well. One AirMSPI data acquisition was performed above the P-3 observing the solar radiance field above, within, and below the aerosol layer over one of the rare cloud-free Atlantic Ocean areas. Many of the main ORACLES observing goals could therefore be achieved early in the deployment.

AirMSPI quick look from September 10 of nadir looking data showing an RGB image of the complex atmospheric structure with a smoke layer between low and mid-level cloud layers.

AirMSPI quick look from September 10 showing the full range of viewing angles from 65 degrees forward to 65 degrees backward along the vertical image axis, which represents the flight direction (nadir is in the middle of the image). The DOLP image in the right shows polarization information in three spectral bands. A vertical cut through the center is shown on the far right to illustrate the spectral dependence of the polarization information, which is used in the retrieval of cloud microphysical properties.

All FOUR legs of the SMAPVEX-16 campaign were successfully completed.  August 16 was the end of a second two-week campaign undertaken in Iowa. With this flight, the PALS 

instrument has flown nearly 27 flights for SMAPVEX-16 – more than any previous SMAPVEX campaign. The campaigns were spread over a period of three months and two Cal/Val sites in Carman, Manitoba and Ames, IA.

Summary of the 2^nd Iowan campaign:  We flew a total of six site overpass flights over Ames, IA with a calibration maneuver over the Mississippi after every flight. There were no flight-scrubs. There was nearly a week’s gap between the first three flights and last three flights due to overpass schedules and optimal ground conditions.

Sidharth Misra and his team have successfully completed both Canadian campaigns for SMAPVEX-16. This was the second two-week campaign undertaken in Canada - the first one occurring in the middle of June. The instrument and aircraft both performed well throughout the campaign.

A total of six site overpass flights were flown over Carman, MB, which included a calibration flight over Lake Manitoba. 

We have completed preliminary processing of all the data takes acquired in Greenland back in March for the Oceans Melting Greenland mission. 

Height map over Kangerlussauq Glacier