NCAR operated an Integrated Sounding System (ISS) at the International H2O Project (IHOP) in the Oklahoma panhandle during May and June 2002. This ISS included a surface met tower, an advanced UHF wind profiler (MAPR - Multiple Antenna Profiler Radar), and a sodar that were operated continuously for the entire project. Radiosondes were launched routinely at 1 PM, and at 2-hour intervals during IOPs. In addition, NCAR's tethered balloon (the Tethered Atmospheric Observing System, TAOS) was sporadically operated by NCAR during IOPs. Additional remote sensors were operated by NASA (the Raman, GLOW, and HARLIE lidars); the University of Wisconsin (AERI - Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer), and the University of Massachusetts (FM-CW radar) at the same site.

MAPR performed extremely well during IHOP, often collecting good data up to 4 km. In addition to the 3D wind field, MAPR data provides information on BL depth, precipitation and clear-air reflectivity. On several occasions, a new operating mode was employed which enabled enhanced vertical resolution of the wind field. This was done by using frequency shifting interferometry known as Range Imaging or RIM. Using this technique, along with the high temporal resolution of MAPR, allows detailed study of small scale features, such as Kelvin-Helmholtz billows atop outflow fronts.

The data collected at the Homestead site will be used to characterize the vertical structure of the boundary layer, bores, dry lines, outflow boundaries and fronts and their temporal evolution. The routine soundings launched at 1 PM will be used to develop seasonal mean profiles of T,q,u of the convective boundary layer and overlying atmosphere. Dry, windy conditions prevailed at the site providing many observations of deep mixing and horizontal rolls in the boundary layer. Examples of several features influencing the NCAR ISS site will be given.