Global Cloud Top Height from ADEOS-II Satellite at 1/4-Degree Resolution

Satellite-derived cloud top height data for water clouds, calculated using an emission method from multi-channel radiance measurements. The dataset provides global maps with a spatial resolution of 1/4 degree and a statistical period of 16 days, produced by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The data originates from the GLI sensor onboard the ADEOS-II (Midori II) satellite, with the current product version being 'Version 2'.

Use Cases

• Analyze spatial patterns of water cloud top height from the 1/4-degree gridded global maps to study cloud climatology.
• Validate or compare cloud height retrieval algorithms using the emission method based on channels 30, 35, and 36.
• Incorporate the 16-day statistical cloud height product into climate models to improve representation of cloud radiative effects.
• Study seasonal or regional variations in cloud structure by utilizing the global generation unit and EQR map projection.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage from a dedicated Earth observation satellite.
• Data is derived from a multi-channel optical sensor (GLI) with a 1600 km swath.
• Product is at Level 3, meaning data is binned, mapped, and statistically aggregated.

Limitations

• Data is temporally limited, with the last update recorded in October 2003.
• Product is specific to water clouds and uses a single retrieval method (emission).
• Specific sample size, row count, and data volume metrics are unavailable.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Collection Method

Remote sensing from the GLI sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite, processed to Level 3 binned and mapped products.

Time Range

Coverage corresponds to the operational period of the ADEOS-II satellite (launched 2002).

Freshness

Data last updated 2003-10-25; statistical periods are 16-day and 1-month aggregates.

Geography

Global coverage.