METCRAXII ISS WXT Surface Meteorology Data

METCRAX-II investigated downslope-windstorm-type flows that develop when thermally-driven drainage flows cascade over the rim of the Arizona Meteor Crater on clear, undisturbed nights. These flows are ubiquitous in mountains throughout the world, but occur on a regular basis at this location and on scale that is uniquely amenable to observation with surface-based instrumentation.

The goals of the project were to determine the characteristic atmospheric structure and evolution associated with these flows and the controlling parameters in the katabatic winds that drive them. The field observations will also be used to develop and validate LES models that can extend the findings to basins and ridges of different sizes and shapes. The data was collected between 03 October 2013 and 01 November 2013.