FLASHFlux: Low-Latency Satellite Radiative Fluxes and Cloud Data from Terra

FLASH_SSF_Terra-FM1-MODIS_Version4B is a rapid-release product from NASA's CERES project providing top-of-atmosphere and surface radiative fluxes. It combines data from the CERES FM1 instrument on the Terra satellite with cloud information from MODIS and meteorological data from GEOS-5, processed with a latency of less than five days from observation. The dataset is designed for quick-look purposes in applied sciences and education, offering instantaneous measurements but not the climate-quality standards of the main CERES products.

Use Cases

• Validate atmospheric radiation models based on near-real-time top-of-atmosphere flux measurements.
• Analyze cloud radiative forcing based on combined CERES footprint data and MODIS-derived cloud properties.
• Monitor short-term variations in Earth's energy budget using the low-latency flux data.
• Parameterize surface radiative fluxes for regional studies using the Langley algorithm outputs.

Strengths

• Data is processed and released with low latency, specifically less than five days from observation.
• Integrates multiple data sources: CERES radiometry, MODIS cloud imagery, and GEOS-5 meteorological assimilation.
• Provides both top-of-atmosphere and parameterized surface fluxes for shortwave, longwave, and net radiation.

Limitations

• The description explicitly states FLASHFlux products are 'not intended to achieve climate quality', with some calibration accuracy relaxed for speed.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and spatial/temporal granularity are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), CERES project.

Collection Method

Satellite measurements from the CERES FM1 instrument on the Terra spacecraft, combined with MODIS imager data and GEOS-5 atmospheric assimilation.

Time Range

Data collection began with the Terra satellite launch on December 18, 1999; specific coverage for this product is not stated.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03 13 02:59:21.082471; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage from the Terra satellite's polar orbit.