GSSTFM: Monthly Satellite-Based Surface Turbulent Fluxes at 0.25-Degree Grid

Goddard Satellite-based Surface Turbulent Fluxes Version-3 (GSSTFM) is a monthly, global dataset produced by a NASA MEaSUREs project led by Dr. Chung-Lin Shie. Data are projected to an equidistant grid covering the globe at a 0.25x0.25 degree cell size, resulting in arrays of 1440x720 pixels. The monthly product averages daily files and can be used to examine climate variability at monthly temporal and one-degree spatial scales.

Use Cases

• Examining climate variability at monthly and one-degree spatial scales based on the product's stated resolution.
• Studying oceanic evaporation and its contribution to net fresh water input based on the description.
• Analyzing upper ocean density structure and circulation drivers based on surface flux data.
• Investigating global surface turbulent fluxes (heat, moisture, momentum) using satellite-derived estimates.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage at a 0.25x0.25 degree grid resolution.
• Data arrays of consistent size (1440x720) for the monthly product.
• Produced through a NASA MEaSUREs funded project, indicating a formal stewardship process.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The 'WB' variable (lowest 500-m precipitable water) has been discontinued in Version 3.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)

Collection Method

Satellite-based data processed through a MEaSUREs project, converted to HDF-EOS5 format.

Time Range

Monthly temporal resolution.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 01:49:05.751184; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage.