Global Ice Cloud Optical Thickness from ADEOS-II Satellite

Cloud optical thickness of ice clouds is derived from reflected solar radiation measured by the GLI sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite. The dataset provides monthly representative values at a 1/4-degree spatial resolution, projected onto an equal-rectangular global map. It was produced by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with data last updated in October 2003.

Use Cases

• Analyze spatial patterns of ice cloud optical thickness from the 1/4-degree gridded map data.
• Study seasonal or monthly variability in cloud microphysical properties using the 1-month statistical period.
• Validate climate model simulations of cloud radiative effects using the satellite-derived optical thickness values.
• Correlate cloud optical thickness data with other atmospheric parameters using the EQR map projection for alignment.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
• Data derived from multi-channel GLI sensor radiances at 678 nm, 865 nm, 3.715 μm, and 10.8 μm.
• Product is at Level 3, indicating binned and mapped data for direct analysis.

Limitations

• Temporal coverage is limited, with the last update in 2003.
• Spatial resolution of 1/4 degree may be coarse for regional-scale studies.
• Method is specifically for ice clouds, excluding other cloud types.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Collection Method

Derived from radiances measured by the GLI optical sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite, using a reflection method on specific channels.

Time Range

Statistical period is 1 month; specific observation dates are not provided.

Freshness

Data is from 2003; no update frequency is specified.

Geography

Global coverage.