Continuous data collection from 2006 to present provides calibrated, geolocated, and cloud-cleared profiles of lidar attenuated backscatter. The Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) mission, a joint NASA and CNES project, produces this Level 1.5 data product. Profiles are synthesized from Level 1B and Level 2 data products, including the Vertical Feature Mask.
Use Cases
- Analyzing vertical profiles of attenuated backscatter to study aerosol layer height and optical properties.
- Using cloud-cleared profiles with geolocation data to map global aerosol distribution and transport.
- Integrating data with the Vertical Feature Mask (VFM) product for cloud-aerosol discrimination and classification.
- Studying temporal trends in atmospheric backscatter from the ongoing 2006+ time series for climate change research.
Strengths
- Continuous data collection since the satellite launch on April 28, 2006.
- Profiles are derived from a synthesis of three standardized data products (Level 1B, Level 2 aerosol, VFM).
- Data is calibrated, geolocated, and cloud-cleared, providing a processed analysis-ready layer.
Limitations
- Specific row counts, file sizes, and spatial resolution details are not provided.
- Product version changed due to operational system updates (V1-00 to V1-01), which may introduce processing artifacts.
- Relies on the accuracy of upstream Level 1 and Level 2 data products and the cloud-clearing algorithm.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA's Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) mission, a joint project with the French CNES.
- Collection Method
- Data collected by the CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) instrument on the CALIPSO satellite, flying in the A-Train constellation.
- Time Range
- 2006-04-28 to present
- Freshness
- Data collection is described as ongoing, with a platform record last updated in January 2022.
- Geography
- Global coverage from the CALIPSO satellite's orbit.