During the MC3E campaign, ARM scientists are exposed to several cloud and precipitation monitoring platforms deployed around the SGP Central Facility near Lamont, Oklahoma. For exploring convective storm evolution, some of the most sophisticated (and photogenic) ARM instruments are the newly installed X-SAPR radar platforms. The ARM X-SAPR network over the SGP consists of three scanning polarimetric Doppler weather radars positioned in a triangle configuration, each placed approximately 12 kilometers away from the main campaign hub. The ‘X’ in X-SAPR is drawn from the 3-cm operational wavelength of these radar systems, often known to many in the community as ‘X-band’ radar.

The recent string of clear days – although not desirable for MC3E mission operations in precipitation or clouds – did have some positives for MC3E staff and instrument health. During this particular precipitation layoff, several platforms, including the X-SAPR systems were checked for performance and calibration. In addition, this recent break afforded several MC3E scientists and students an opportunity to visit these three X-SAPR sites to get a unique view of these new systems.