Envisat AATSR Global Sea Surface Temperature Data for Climate Research

2002 to 2009 data from the European Space Agency's Envisat satellite, carrying the Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR). This dataset provides high-accuracy global skin sea surface temperature (SST) measurements, processed according to GHRSST standards, to support a multi-decade climate record. It is produced by the European Space Agency and distributed by NOAA and NASA.

Use Cases

• Analyzing long-term climate change signals in sea surface temperature using the dual-view algorithm for atmospheric correction.
• Validating and calibrating other satellite-derived SST products against this high-accuracy benchmark dataset.
• Studying diurnal warming and skin-layer ocean processes with precise thermal infrared measurements.
• Integrating data into oceanographic and atmospheric models that require accurate boundary conditions.

Strengths

• Designed for high radiometric accuracy and stability using continuous in-flight calibration and low-noise infrared detectors.
• Employs a unique dual-view algorithm to improve atmospheric correction for SSTskin observations.
• Contributes to a multi-decade, precise global SST record, building on predecessor instruments from ERS-1 and ERS-2.

Limitations

• Conflicting last update dates: datagov lists 2026-03 05 (likely a placeholder), while nasa_earthdata lists 2009-09-30, indicating potential staleness.
• Specific row counts, file sizes, and column details are not provided across any source.
• License information is not specified.

Provenance

Source

European Space Agency (ESA) Envisat satellite, Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR).

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via optical and thermal infrared instruments, processed to GHRSST Level 2P specification (GDS version 1.5).

Time Range

2002 to 2009

Freshness

2009-09-30

Geography

Global