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Earth Observing Laboratory
Field Data Archive

METCRAX-II: Meteor Crater Experiment II

Summary

METCRAX-II was the second experiment studying the atmospheric boundary layer of the Arizona Meteor Crater.

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.

Data access

Datasets from this project

Additional information

Related links

Temporal coverage

Begin Date 2013-09-30 00:00:00
End Date 2013-10-30 23:59:59

Spatial coverage


Map data from IBCSO, IBCAO, and Global Topography.

Maximum (North) Latitude: 35.20, Minimum (South) Latitude: 35.20
Minimum (West) Longitude: -111.20, Maximum (East) Longitude: -111.20

NSF

This material is based upon work supported by the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, a major facility sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.