Satellite Metadata

Dataset 3517: Global AVHRR 10-Day Composites

Abstract: The global land 1-km data set project represents an international effort to acquire, archive, process, and distribute 1-km AVHRR data of the entire global land surface in order to meet the needs of the international science community. A network of 29 high resolution picture transmission (HRPT) stations, along with data recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has been acquiring daily global land coverage since 1 April, 1992. A data set of over 40,000 AVHRR images has been archived and made available for distribution by the United States Geological Survey, EROS Data Center and the European Space Agency. Get the documentation in Word or PDF

Dataset 3598: Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer VISSR

Abstract: The Satellite Services Division (SSD) of the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), in conjunction with the National Environmental Satellite Service (NESS), established a digital tape archive of SMS/GOES VISSR data. VISSR is an acronym for Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer, an instrument flown aboard the SMS/GOES series of geostationary satellites. Four mile resolution visible and infrared sectors from satellites operating in both East and West positions have been archived. Since September 6, 1978 this archive includes three hourly data from both satellite positions. From August 1976 to that data coverage was limited to five IR sectors and one visible sector per day per satellite. Data from SMS-1, SMS-2, GOES-1, GOES-2, and GOES-3 is included in the archive. In addition to the VISSR sector, NCDC also maintains a comprehensive archive of SMS/GOES imagery (photographic negatives) including all sectors produced operationally by NESS (Infrared and Visible of various resolutions covering various areas). NCDC has archived over 500,000 negatives, dating back to May 1974 (and a complete archive of Advanced Technology Satellite (ATS) imagery, dating back to February of 1966). The normal geographic coverage of the Archive Sector will be about 88 latitude by 99 longitude for data prior to November 14, 1977 and 105 latitude by 99 longitude thereafter. 3598 complete document

Dataset 3614: Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)

Abstract : MODIS is satellite data. It is archived as digital data set DS-3614 at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Data is provided by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The National Climatic Data Center does not maintain the documentation for MODIS. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3614 complete document

Dataset 3615: NOAA Polar Orbiting Satellites

Abstract : The Satellite Services Division (SSD) of the National Climatic Data Center, under the auspices of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), has established a digital archive of data collected from the current generation of NOAA operational polar orbiting satellites. This series of satellites commenced with TIROS-N (launched in October 1978) and continued with NOAA-A (launched in June 1979 and renamed NOAA-6), NOAA-C (launched in June 1981 and renamed NOAA-7), NOAA-E (launched in March 1983 and renamed NOAA-8), NOAA-F (launched in December 1984 and renamed NOAA-9), NOAA-G (launched in September 1986 and renamed NOAA-10), NOAA-H (launched in September 1988 and renamed NOAA-11), NOAA-D (launched in May 1991 and renamed NOAA-12), NOAA-I (launched in August 1993 and renamed NOAA-13) and NOAA-J (launched in December 1994 and renamed NOAA-14). This series of satellites (TIROS-N and NOAA-6 through NOAA-14) will henceforth be referred to in this document as the TIROS-N series (Technically, TIROS-N through NOAA-D are called the TIROS-N series and NOAA-E through -N are called the TIROS ATN series or Advanced TIROS-N). If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3615 complete document

Dataset 3620: Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS)

Abstract : CZCS was a multi-spectral line scanner devoted principally to measurements of ocean color, which operated from November 2, 1978 to June 22, 1986. It had six spectral bands (channels), four of which were devoted to ocean color, each having a 20 nanometer bandwidth and centered at 443, 520, 550, and 670 nanometers. These are referred to as channels 1 through 4, respectively. Channel 5 sensed reflected solar radiance and had a 100 nanometer bandwidth centered at 750 nanometers and a dynamic range which was more suited to land. Channel 6 operated in the 10.5 to 12.5 micrometer region and sensed emitted thermal radiance for derivation of equivalent black body temperature. The Coastal Zone Color Scanner was a multi-spectral line scanner developed by NASA to measure ocean color as a means of determining chlorophyll concentrations and the distributions of particulate matter and dissolved substances. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3620 complete document

Dataset 3621: Satellite Coral Bleaching Products

Abstract : The NOAA satellite-derived global 50km Coral Bleaching Monitoring products include the 50 km nighttime only Sea Surface Temperature (SST), SST anomaly, HotSpot and Degree Heating Weeks(DHWs). These products are NESDIS/OSDPD/IPD operational products designed to monitor and predict possible coral bleaching events. The HotSpot highlights regions of extreme warm water that can be harmful to coral reefs, where sea surface temperatures are at least 1 degree C above the maximum SST climatology. The DHWs is allowed to accumulate when the HotSpot is above 1 oC, and it is used to indicate the accumulated thermal stress that coral reefs experience. These satellite coral bleaching monitoring products are widely used and have been featured on national news casts, National Geographic, public television, etc., and are extremely important to NOAA outreach to the public as well as coral reef and climate scientists and marine managers. Please be aware that NCDC has now combined this dataset (DS-3621) in with NOAA Polar Orbiting Satellites (DS-3615). If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3621 complete document

Dataset 3635: GOES I-M East Products

Abstract : This dataset contains products derived from GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) which provide the kind of continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. They circle the Earth in a geosynchronous orbit, which means they orbit the equatorial plane of the Earth at a speed matching the Earth's rotation. This allows them to hover continuously over one position on the surface. The geosynchronous plane is about 35,800 km (22,300 miles) above the Earth, high enough to allow the satellites a full-disc view of the Earth. Because they stay above a fixed spot on the surface, they provide a constant vigil for atmospheric "triggers" for severe weather conditions such as tornadoes, flash floods, hail storms, and hurricanes. When these conditions develop the GOES satellites monitor storms and track their movements. GOES satellite imagery is also used to estimate rainfall during the thunderstorms and hurricanes for flash flood warnings, as well as estimates snowfall accumulations and overall extent of snow cover. Such data help meteorologists issue winter storm warnings and spring snow melt advisories. Satellite sensors also detect ice fields and map the movements of sea and lake ice. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3635 complete document

Dataset 3636: GOES I-M West Products

Abstract : This dataset contains products derived from GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) which provide the kind of continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. They circle the Earth in a geosynchronous orbit, which means they orbit the equatorial plane of the Earth at a speed matching the Earth's rotation. This allows them to hover continuously over one position on the surface. The geosynchronous plane is about 35,800 km (22,300 miles) above the Earth, high enough to allow the satellites a full-disc view of the Earth. Because they stay above a fixed spot on the surface, they provide a constant vigil for atmospheric "triggers" for severe weather conditions such as tornadoes, flash floods, hail storms, and hurricanes. When these conditions develop the GOES satellites monitor storms and track their movements. GOES satellite imagery is also used to estimate rainfall during the thunderstorms and hurricanes for flash flood warnings, as well as estimates snowfall accumulations and overall extent of snow cover. Such data help meteorologists issue winter storm warnings and spring snow melt advisories. Satellite sensors also detect ice fields and map the movements of sea and lake ice. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3636 complete document

Dataset 3638: ASOS/Sounder Processing System Software

Abstract : The satellite derived cloud height and amount for the Automated Surface and Observing System (ASOS) for GOES East and GOES West is a processing system incorporating GOES, RGLX forecast output, and surface information to generate remotely sensed cloud parameters every hour for a selected number of surface stations over the contiguous United States of America. The remotely sensed cloud parameters in the form of a report are transmitted on an hourly bases SATEPS Product Server for availability to outside users. Get the documentation in 3638 Word or 3638 PDF

Dataset 3645: International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP)

Abstract : Global analyses of satellite radiance measurements began on 1 July 1982 and is planned to continue through 30 June 2000. All ISCCP data products are archived at the ISCCP Central Archive (ICA), at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) and available from the NCDC or World Data Center (WDC) for Meteorology, Asheville, NC at the following address:

ISCCP

Dataset 3701: Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES)

Abstract : This dataset contains raw data from GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) which provide the kind of continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. They circle the Earth in a geosynchronous orbit, which means they orbit the equatorial plane of the Earth at a speed matching the Earth's rotation. This allows them to hover continuously over one position on the surface. The geosynchronous plane is about 35,800 km (22,300 miles) above the Earth, high enough to allow the satellites a full-disc view of the Earth. Because they stay above a fixed spot on the surface, they provide a constant vigil for atmospheric "triggers" for severe weather conditions such as tornadoes, flash floods, hail storms, and hurricanes. When these conditions develop the GOES satellites monitor storms and track their movements. GOES satellite imagery is also used to estimate rainfall during the thunderstorms and hurricanes for flash flood warnings, as well as estimates snowfall accumulations and overall extent of snow cover. Such data help meteorologists issue winter storm warnings and spring snow melt advisories. Satellite sensors also detect ice fields and map the movements of sea and lake ice. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 3701 complete document

Dataset 6107: NMC Global GTS Satellite Winds

Abstract :The major parameters in TD-6107 are mandatory constant pressure data (1000-mb through 1-mb), various pressure data, and tropopause data consisting of heights of pressure levels, temperatures, and wind direction and speed. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) Global Telecommunication System (GTS) data is a collection of those observations used to initialize the NMC global forecast model. NMC places the data on disc at each main synoptic hour; 00Z, 06Z, 12Z, and 18Z. The data is then placed on magnetic tape every seven days (5 days for the Surface/Marine) and sent to the NCDC. SIRS stands for Satellite Infrared Sounding. Sirs-A was part of Nimbus-3 launched in 1968. It was a downward (nadir) pointing instrument. SIRS-B was part of Nimbus-4 launched in 1972. It was a cross track scanner and also provided vertical temperature profiles. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6107 complete document

Dataset 6146: NCEP/CPC 4KM Global IR Dataset

Abstract : The "4 km" global (60N - 60S) merged IR data exist on a rectangular latitude/longitude grid. Each file contains 2 records: the 1st for the "on the hour" images (":00") and the 2nd for the "on the half hour" images (":30"). The area of coverage are nearly global and begin in 1999. Each record is a 9896 x 3298 FORTRAN array of IR brightness temperatures that have been scaled to fit into 1-byte. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6146 complete document

Dataset 6150: Climate Analysis Center (CAC) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Analyses

Abstract : The Climate Analysis Center's Sea Surface Temperature Data Set, referred to as "CAC SSTs", contains in situ SSTs, blended SSTs (in situ SSTs blended with AVHRR derived SSTs), blended anomalies, COADS/Ice SST Climatology, and Land/Sea Mask. The blended anomalies are produced by GSFC DAAC from the SST Climatology data provided by the Climate Analysis Center (renamed CPC - Climate Prediction Center). The in situ analyses cover 40 degrees south to 60 degrees north. All other gridded analyses are global. The values for Land/Sea Mask are available on a 0.5 X 0.5 degree latitude/longitude grid; all other gridded values are available on a 2 X 2 degree latitude/longitude grid. With the exception of the Land Mask, all gridded values are monthly means. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 6150 complete document

Dataset 9612: Satellite Seasat and GOES Data

Abstract : NASA's GEOS-3 (Geodynamics Experimental Ocean Satellite) was launched on April 9, 1975. A non-sun-synchronous satellite, GEOS-3 had an average altitude of 840km, an inclination of 115, and period of 101.8 minutes. The Radar Altimeter on GEOS-3 operated nearly continuously from launch to July 1979. Spatial resolution of this sensor was 3.6km. During the 3 years of operation, the GEOS-3 ALT provided the most complete set of geodetic and geophysical data ever collected over the oceans, and was a forerunner of the ALT on board SEASAT. Get the documentation in 9612 Word or 9612 PDF

Dataset 9614: Aerosol Observation File

Abstract : In this data set, each aerosol observation file contains eight days of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) observations containing an optical thickness parameter calculated from the Griggs algorithm. The SSTs in these observations are "aerosol-corrected" SSTs, but the uncorrected SSTs are also contained within the observation. This data file consists of 4002 physical records, each with a length of 13024 bytes. The area of coverage is global and begins in 1989. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9614 complete document

Dataset 9615: Experimental Bi-Weekly Global NDVI Data

Abstract : The National Climatic Center has in its possession the historical dataset DSI-9615, Experimental Bi-Weekly Global NDVI Product. An experimental normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was computed at the EROS Data Center from weekly visible and near-IR data available from NOAA's Global Vegetation Index product. The Mercator projected product of NOAA was utilized. The data are available from 55 degrees south to 75 degrees north. Data resolution in the Mercator projection varies from 19.6 km at the equator to 15 km at 40 degrees (N or S). The reflectance values of the visible and near -IR data were computed from pre-launch calibration coefficients. The bi-weekly data were processed for April 1985 through 1989. The start date of the bi-weekly composite intervals was 099 (9 April) in 1985. The start dates in 1986, 1987 and 1988 were January 01. Processing intervals changed in 1988 on April 11 to a Monday through Sunday weekly cycle. The start date in 1989 was January 02. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9615 complete document

Dataset 9679: Tropical Oceans and Global Atmosphere TOGA

Abstract : The TOGA Sea Surface Temperature dataset is a historical dataset archived at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). This dataset is a global monthly sea surface temperature analysis which uses real-time in situ (ship and buoy) and satellite data. The method combines the advantages of both types of data: the ground truth of in situ data and the improved coverage of satellite data. The technique also effectively eliminates most of the bias differences between the in situ and satellite data. The analysis of the monthly mean global SST is on a 2-degree latitude-longitude grid for the 10-year TOGA period (1985-1994). Three analyses were produced by the U.S. National Meteorological Center (NMC): an in situ, a satellite, and a "blended" analysis. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9679 complete document

Dataset 9682: FGGE General

Abstract: The idea of an intensive, prolonged, global, atmospheric observing experiment was conceived early in the development of the Global Atmospheric Research Program (GARP). This concept was later formalized by the Joint Organizing Committee (JOC) for GARP when it recommended to the executive committee of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and to the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) the implementation of a twelve-month global observing experiment to be called the FGGE. The NCDC can provide information of FGGE data transferred from designated FGGE collection centers throughout the world. Information is also available on selected national archives data that are not a part of The NCDC. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9682 complete document

Dataset 9684: ALPEX

Abstract : The general objective of the Alpine Experiment (ALPEX) was to determine the airflow and mass field over and around mountain complexes under various synoptic conditions. The project has focused on circulations due to wind forcing, including storm surges in the Adriatic and western Mediterranean Sea. The area of Europe involved was from 5 degrees west to 30 degrees east Longitude and from 38 degrees north to 50 degrees north latitude. This project was in direct support of the World Meteorological Organization with 20 nations taking part in the project. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9684 complete document

Dataset 9938 Polar Ice

Abstract : Polar Ice is digital data set DS-9938, archived at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). It is also available as a CD-ROM. It is a joint NCDC, US Navy, and National Ice Center (NIC) product. DS-9938 contains weekly ice data in the "International Sea Ice in the Digital Form" (SIGRID) format for 1972-1994 for the Arctic and 1973-1994 for the Antarctic. The SIGRID format was designed to meet the sea ice requirements of large scale climate and statistical studies. The .25 degree grid structure includes total ice concentration, thickness stage, and form of ice for the complete period of record. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9938 complete document

Dataset 9939 World Area Forecast System (WAFS)

Abstract : WAFS is a system for the world wide broadcast of aviation related weather information via satellite. It is a joint effort of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NOAA/National Weather Service (NWS), with additional contributions from (to name the most prominent) the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Kingdom, Finland, and Canada. The WAFS communications are through commercial satellites--NOAA uses INTELSAT VI and INTELSAT V. The United Kingdom uses a satellite over the Indian Ocean to reach Europe, Africa, and the rest of Asia. NOAA's World Data Center of Washington collects aviation-related observations, forecasts, and other messages from the WMO's Global Telecommunication System (GTS), and adds charts and computer forecasts of temperature, winds, humidity, and other elements over the entire globe. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9939 complete document

Dataset 9940: U.S. Daily Snow Cover Grids

Abstract : SNOw Data Assimilation System (SNODAS) is a modeling and data assimilation system developed by the NOAA National Weather Services National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC). Its purpose is to provide the best possible estimates of snow cover and associated variables to support hydrologic modeling and analysis. The aim of SNODAS is to provide a physically consistent framework to integrate snow data from satellite and airborne platforms, and ground stations with model estimates of snow cover. SNODAS includes procedures to ingest and downscale output form Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models; a physically based, spatially-distributed energy-and mass-balance snow model; and procedures to assimilate satellite-derived, airborne and ground-based observations of snow covered area and snow water equivalent. The snow model has high spatial (1 km) and temporal (1 hour) resolutions and is run for the conterminous United States. SNODAS is run each day, forced by downscaled output from the RUC2 NWP model. Each day, analysts decide whether or not to use remote sensing and ground based observations to update the snow water equivalent state in the model. Difference fields between model and observed snow water equivalent are generated. The model is then re-run for the last 6 hours of the hindcast step using scaled difference fields to 'nudge' model estimates of the snow water equivalent estimates. A 12 hour forecast of snow cover is then made using NWP output. The variables included in this archive are: Snow water equivalent, Snow depth, Snow melt runoff at the base of snow pack, Sublimation from the snow pack, Sublimation of blowing snow, Solid precipitation, Liquid precipitation, and Snow pack average temperature. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9940 complete document

Dataset 9958: Sea Ice Charts

Abstract : Sea Ice Charts is digital data set DS-9958, archived at the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). This is sea ice charts and data. Data was derived from remote sensed data and observations. RADARSAT, DMSP/OLS, NOAA/TIROS, and DMSP/SSM/I sensors comprised the majority of the sensors used in the analysis. The data contains information pertaining to the concentration of sea ice in the Arctic and Southern Oceans and marginal seas. The data also contains estimates of ice thickness through the use of satellite data and theoretical methods. The data also includes the forms of sea ice, whether it is in belts and strips or if the ice is fasted (connected) to the coast. NCDC has in archive data since 1995. Data includes total ice concentration; partial concentrations, forms, and stages of development of thickest, second thickest, and third thickest forms of ice; predominant and secondary forms of ice; and stage of development of any remaining class of ice not otherwise reported. If you are using a recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, you can view the 9958 complete document