Daily Satellite Radiative Fluxes and Cloud Properties at 1-Degree Resolution

Edition4A data provides daily radiative fluxes and cloud properties at a 1-degree spatial resolution. The product combines observations from CERES instruments on Terra and Aqua satellites with geostationary satellite data, processed using the Langley Fu-Liou radiative transfer model. Data collection is ongoing by NASA's LARC_CLOUD organization.

Use Cases

• Analyzing daily shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) flux variations for climate trend studies.
• Modeling cloud radiative forcing using provided cloud properties and all-sky versus clear-sky flux parameters.
• Investigating aerosol impacts on radiative fluxes using pristine (clear-sky without aerosols) condition data.
• Validating radiative transfer models with computed TOA, in-atmosphere, and surface fluxes adjusted to CERES observations.
• Studying diurnal cycles of Earth's radiation using GEO-enhanced hourly radiance interpolations.

Strengths

• Combines data from multiple satellite platforms (CERES on Terra/Aqua and geostationary satellites) for enhanced sampling.
• Provides parameters for four distinct sky conditions: all-sky, clear-sky, pristine, and all-sky without aerosols.
• Data is provided on a daily temporal resolution and a consistent 1-degree regional spatial scale.

Limitations

• Specific row count, file size, and column details are unknown.
• The description does not specify a definitive start date or time range for the data collection.
• Potential regional dependencies in flux normalization are acknowledged in the processing methodology.

Provenance

Source

NASA's LARC_CLOUD organization, using CERES and MODIS instruments on Terra and Aqua satellites.

Collection Method

Satellite radiometer observations combined with geostationary satellite data, processed via radiative transfer modeling and normalization techniques.

Freshness

Data collection is described as ongoing.

Geography

Global coverage at 1-degree equal-angle grid resolution.