AIRS/Aqua L2 Cloud-Cleared Infrared Radiances: Synthetic Atmospheric Soundings

Data from 2002 onward, collected by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) aboard NASA's Aqua satellite, provides calibrated, geolocated infrared radiances for approximately 2378 spectral channels, simulated for cloud-free conditions. These radiances are a fundamental input for retrieving standard atmospheric products and are generated globally at all observation points, with 240 data granules produced per day. The dataset's high spectral resolution (R=1200) and synergy with microwave sensors (AMSU/HSB) support detailed atmospheric profiling.

Use Cases

• Validating atmospheric retrieval algorithms based on the fundamental cloud-cleared radiance inputs.
• Assimilating infrared radiance observations into numerical weather prediction models to improve forecasts.
• Studying cloud properties and their radiative effects by comparing raw and cloud-cleared radiance fields.
• Conducting climate trend analysis using a long-term, calibrated record of infrared atmospheric emission.
• Developing new satellite-derived products for trace gases by leveraging the dataset's high spectral resolution across 2378 channels.

Strengths

• High spectral resolution with approximately 2378 infrared channels, enabling detailed atmospheric profiling.
• Global coverage with data generated at all observation locations, providing a complete spatial picture.
• Long-term record from the Aqua satellite mission, which launched in 2002, supporting climate studies.
• Cross-sensor synergy, as radiances are produced in conjunction with AMSU and HSB microwave observations.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are not provided in the sources.
• A conflict exists in dataset freshness: one source lists a last update in 2026, while another lists 2016, casting doubt on maintenance.
• The data volume is described as an order of magnitude larger than standard products, which may pose storage and processing challenges.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Collected by the AIRS grating spectrometer aboard the EOS Aqua polar-orbiting satellite.

Time Range

2002 (Aqua launch) to present, with an approximate 16-day orbit repeat cycle.

Freshness

2026-03-13 16:18:18.924064 (conflict with 2016-09-24 date noted in limitations)

Geography

Global