CERES and GEO-Enhanced TOA, Within-Atmosphere and Surface Fluxes, Clouds and Aerosols Mont

Global satellite data from NASA's CERES, Terra, and Aqua missions provides monthly means of top-of-atmosphere, within-atmosphere, and surface radiative fluxes. The product integrates observations from multiple instruments, including CERES scanners and MODIS, with geostationary satellite data to model diurnal variability on a 1-degree equal-angle grid. Computed using the Langley Fu-Liou radiative transfer model, it offers parameters for clear-sky, all-sky, and aerosol conditions with a three-hourly temporal foundation.

Use Cases

• Modeling Earth's radiative energy budget based on computed TOA, in-atmosphere, and surface fluxes.
• Analyzing cloud and aerosol effects on climate based on MODIS and geostationary-derived cloud properties.
• Studying diurnal cycles of radiation based on temporally interpolated 1-hourly time series enhanced with GEO data.
• Validating climate model outputs based on CERES-observed, normalized broadband fluxes for longwave, shortwave, and window regions.

Strengths

• Integrates data from multiple high-profile satellite platforms (CERES on Terra/Aqua, MODIS, GEO imagers) for cross-calibration.
• Provides computed fluxes for multiple atmospheric conditions (all-sky, clear-sky, pristine, all-sky without aerosols).
• Offers parameters on a consistent 1-degree regional spatial scale and a three-hourly temporal resolution foundation.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for large-scale processing.
• Data collection is described as 'ongoing'; specific temporal coverage for the product is not provided.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from CERES, MODIS, and geostationary imagers, processed with the Langley Fu-Liou radiative transfer model and GMAO atmospheric profiles.

Time Range

Data collection is ongoing; specific start date or range is not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 08:02:46.488029; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage on a 1-degree equal-angle latitude-longitude grid.