Global Cloud Particle Radius from ADEOS-II Satellite

ADEOS-II/GLI L2 Cloud Effective Particle Radius is a satellite-derived dataset measuring the size of water cloud particles globally. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) produced this data from the GLI sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite, with a spatial resolution of 0.25 degrees and a 4-day statistical period. The product version is 2, with data last updated in October 2003.

Use Cases

• Analyze spatial patterns of cloud effective particle radius to study aerosol indirect effects on climate.
• Validate climate model simulations of cloud microphysics using the 0.25-degree resolution global maps.
• Investigate seasonal or regional trends in cloud particle size from the 4-day composite time-series data.
• Combine the retrieved particle radius with other channels (e.g., thermal channel 35) to study cloud thermodynamic phase.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage with a 1600 km sensor swath.
• Data derived from specific GLI channels (13, 30, 35) using a defined retrieval method.
• Standardized map projection (EQR) and physical unit (micrometer).

Limitations

• Temporal coverage is limited to the ADEOS-II operational period, ending in 2003.
• Spatial resolution of 0.25 degrees may be coarse for regional or mesoscale studies.
• Product is specific to water clouds, excluding ice or mixed-phase clouds.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Collection Method

Retrieved from the GLI (Global Imager) optical sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite using reflection method on specific channels.

Time Range

Covers the ADEOS-II mission period, with a last update date of 2003-10-25.

Freshness

Data last updated in 2003; no ongoing updates expected.

Geography

Global coverage.