DQRID : D120420.1
Start DateStart TimeEnd DateEnd Time Data Quality Metric
10/18/2003160010/29/20031630Incorrect
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Subject:
SGP/QCRAD/E21 - Bird poop contamination
DataStreams:sgpqcrad1longE21.s2, sgpqcrad1longE21.s1, sgpqcrad1longE21.c1, sgpqcrad1longE21.c2
Description:
Downwelling shortwave values were erratic during the day on 10/18 and in very poor 
agreement at times with downwelling shortwave values calculated from direct and diffuse 
measurements. Bi-weekly preventative maintenance records indicate bird poop was cleaned from the 
downwelling shortwave instrument on 10/29 at 16:30.  Review of maintenance records and 
instrument data indicate no bird contamination since 10/29.

Turkey vultures are the usual suspects in data quality problems at this facility. The RBD 
(rotating bird deterrent) had failed the week of 10/13 and was awaiting parts.  However, 
beginning in late October the birds had left the site.

Documented in instrument DQR D031020.4.
Suggestions: 
Don't use SW downwelling data during these time periods. If 

"source_BestEstimate_down_short_hemisp" is -1, don't use Best Estimate GSW data. Note that fewer quality checks 
can be applied accurately to the BestEstimate data.
Measurements:sgpqcrad1longE21.c2:
  • BestEstimate_down_short_hemisp
  • down_short_hemisp
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sgpqcrad1longE21.s2:
  • BestEstimate_down_short_hemisp
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sgpqcrad1longE21.c1:
  • down_short_hemisp
  • BestEstimate_down_short_hemisp
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sgpqcrad1longE21.s1:
  • BestEstimate_down_short_hemisp
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