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AVHRR Cloud Properties - NASA

Sample product image of NOAA CDR AVHRR Cloud Properties –NASA product; it depicts cloud effective temperature in Kelvin across the globe, with higher values indicated across the equatorial region.

This dataset provides scientific researchers a high quality Climate Data Record (CDR) of multiple cloud properties.

This CDR is generated using algorithms initially developed for application to the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery within the NASA Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) program. The algorithms have been adapted to operate upon the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). The intent of the dataset is to identify global cloud cover and cloud macro- and microphysical properties throughout the entire AVHRR data record which extends from 1978 to the present and provides data at the highest spatial resolution of any existing cloud climatology. Additionally, it addresses AVHRR sensor noise and errant navigation in a robust manner and AVHRR shortwave channel calibration references to Aqua MODIS. Daytime and nighttime cloud properties offer advantages over many other climatologies that are daytime-only. Nearly all the CDR products have been validated using NASA A-Train observations, a technique in which many of the other global climatologies do not employ. Possible uses for this data include tracking temporal trends in global cloud cover and properties, such as the energy industry determining cloud frequency for determining appropriate use of alternative energy solutions.

Data Variables

CDR Variables Other Variables
-Cloud & clear sky pixel detection (count)
-Cloud top thermodynamic phase (count)
-Cloud optical depth (count)
-Cloud particle effective radius (micrometers)
-Air pressure at effective cloud top (hPa)
-Air temperature at effective cloud top (K)
-Height at effective cloud top (km)		 -Air pressure at cloud top (hPa)
-Air temperature at cloud top (K)
-Height at cloud top (km)
-Height at cloud base (km)
-Air pressure at cloud base (hPa)
-Overshooting cloud top detection mask (count)
-Land & sea surface temperature retrieval (K)
-Shortwave broadband albedo (unitless)
-Longwave broadband flux (W/m2)
-Snow & ice cover flag (count)
-Land & sea surface temperature retrieval
quality flag (count)
-Clear sky pixel classification (count)
-Cloudy pixel classification (count)
 

Principal Investigator: Patrick Minnis, NASA

Cite dataset when used as a source. See the dataset's DOI landing page for citation details at doi:10.7289/V5HT2M8T.