CALIPSO Lidar Polar Stratospheric Cloud Profiles and Composition

CALIPSO Lidar Level 2 Polar Stratospheric Cloud data describes the spatial distribution, optical properties, and composition of PSC layers. The product contains profiles of PSC presence, composition, and optical properties on a 5-km horizontal by 180-m vertical grid along orbit tracks, and includes Aura MLS measurements of HNO3 and H2O vapors. The Version 2 ensemble was produced by LARC_CLOUD and was last updated in March 2021.

Use Cases

• Classify PSC composition types using profiles of optical properties and included meteorological parameters.
• Analyze the correlation between PSC presence and Aura MLS measurements of condensable vapors like HNO3 and H2O.
• Map the spatial distribution of PSC layers along CALIPSO orbit tracks using the uniform 5-km horizontal grid.
• Study vertical profiles of PSC optical properties on the 180-m resolution grid to understand layer structure.

Strengths

• Data is on a uniform spatial grid with 5-km horizontal and 180-m vertical resolution.
• Product ensemble integrates direct lidar observations with independent Aura MLS vapor measurements and derived meteorological parameters.

Limitations

• Specific row count, total size, and complete temporal coverage are not provided.
• Data is focused on polar regions and specific atmospheric phenomena, limiting general atmospheric studies.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata from the LARC_CLOUD organization.

Collection Method

Satellite-based observations from the CALIPSO lidar (CALIOP) instrument, combined with Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measurements.

Freshness

Last updated on 2021-03-26.

Geography

Global coverage along CALIPSO satellite orbit tracks, with focus on polar regions where PSCs form.