NAMMA DIODE LASER HYGROMETER (DLH) V1

The NAMMA Diode Laser Hygrometer (DLH) dataset uses the DLH, a near-infrared spectrometer operating from aircraft platforms, was developed by NASA's Langley and Ames Research Centers. It measures water vapor mixing ratio and derives water vapor partial pressure, relative humidity, and water vapor flux. Based upon near-infrared tunable diode technology, its spectrometer provides true in situ monitoring of water vapor concentrations with precision levels exceeding those of existing Lyman alpha and frost point hygrometers. These data files were generated during support of the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) campaign, a field research investigation sponsored by the Science Mission Directorate of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This mission was based in the Cape Verde Islands, 350 miles off the coast of Senegal in west Africa. Commencing in August 2006, NASA scientists employed surface observation networks and aircraft to characterize the evolution and structure of African Easterly Waves (AEWs) and Mesoscale Convective Systems over continental western Africa, and their associated impacts on regional water and energy budgets.