Monthly Global Brightness Temperature at 36GHz from AMSR2

Monthly averaged brightness temperature data at 36GHz from the AMSR2 sensor on the GCOM-W satellite. The dataset provides global coverage on a 0.25-degree grid, with separate values for horizontal and vertical polarizations. It is produced by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) from observations beginning after the satellite's launch in May 2012.

Use Cases

• Analyze long-term trends in surface emissivity by comparing monthly Brightness_Temperature_(H) and Brightness_Temperature_(V) values over time.
• Assess data reliability for specific grid cells using the Standard_Deviation, Average_Number, and Total_Number columns in the monthly product.
• Model sea surface temperature or soil moisture by correlating 36GHz Brightness_Temperature_(H) measurements with in-situ validation data.
• Filter and mask invalid observations by identifying pixels with Error values (65531-65534) or Missing values (65535).

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage on a consistent 0.25-degree grid.
• Includes separate data layers for horizontal and vertical polarization (Brightness_Temperature_(H), Brightness_Temperature_(V)).
• Provides quality metrics per pixel: Standard_Deviation, Average_Number, and Total_Number.

Limitations

• Missing and error values (65531-65535) require specific handling and masking.
• Monthly temporal resolution may be too coarse for studying short-term atmospheric events.
• Data is limited to the 36GHz frequency band from a single sensor.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Collection Method

Satellite observations from the AMSR2 sensor on the GCOM-W platform, processed to Level 3 monthly averages.

Time Range

From May 2012 onward

Freshness

null

Geography

Global