MYDFDS_CLM_GLB_L3: Global Monthly Dust Storm Frequency, 2003-2022

2003 to 2022 climatological monthly frequency of dust storms over land, averaged across that period. The dataset is derived from MODIS Aqua Deep Blue aerosol products and provides data on a 0.1-degree global grid. It was produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and is hosted by the GES DISC.

Use Cases

• Modeling dust storm climatology based on monthly frequency data averaged over 20 years
• Analyzing dust intensity thresholds based on eight separate optical depth threshold files
• Mapping dust source regions versus remote areas based on recommended quality flag usage

Strengths

• Provides data averaged over a 20-year period (2003-2022)
• Offers eight distinct dust intensity thresholds (0.025 to 2) for analysis
• Has a high spatial resolution of 0.1 degrees globally

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Derived from Level 2 MODIS Aqua Deep Blue aerosol products Collection 6.1

Time Range

2003 to 2022

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 04:24:52.259420; freshness should be verified

Geography

Global land coverage from 175°W to 175°E and 80°S to 80°N