Global Ice Cloud Optical Thickness from ADEOS-II Satellite

Version 2 data provides global maps of ice cloud optical thickness, a key atmospheric variable, retrieved from the GLI sensor using an emission method on multi-channel radiance. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) produced this dataset from the ADEOS-II (Midori II) satellite, with a last update recorded in October 2003. Spatial resolution is 25 km, with statistical periods of 16 days and one month available.

Use Cases

• Validate and improve climate model simulations of cloud radiative forcing using the global 1/4-degree resolution ice cloud optical thickness maps.
• Analyze seasonal or interannual variability in ice cloud properties by comparing 16-day and monthly statistical composites.
• Study the relationship between ice cloud optical thickness and other atmospheric parameters by correlating this data with co-located satellite measurements.
• Assess regional patterns of high-altitude cloud coverage and its impact on the global water and energy cycle.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage generated from satellite observations.
• Provides data at two temporal aggregation levels: 16-day and monthly statistics.
• Data is from a dedicated mission instrument (GLI) with a 1600 km swath for systematic observation.

Limitations

• Temporal coverage is limited, with the last update in 2003, making it unsuitable for analyzing recent climate trends.
• Specific sample size (number of data points or scenes) and validation metrics against ground truth are not provided.
• The product is a derived 'representative value' projected onto a map, which may smooth or aggregate finer-scale variability.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Collection Method

Retrieved from the GLI (Global Imager) sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite using an emission method on channels 30, 35, and 36, then projected onto a global map from Level 3 binned products.

Time Range

Specific observation period not stated; product version dates to 2003.

Freshness

Data last updated on 2003-10-25; no ongoing update frequency is specified.

Geography

Global coverage with an EQR (Equirectangular) map projection.