ISLSCP II Cloud and Meteorology Parameters 1986-1995

ISLSCP II Cloud and Meteorology Parameters is a global dataset providing monthly cloud and meteorological data on a 1.0-degree spatial grid. The dataset includes eight files with parameters such as surface skin temperature, total column ozone, and water vapor burdens, each offering monthly mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values. It was produced by ORNL_CLOUD and covers the decade from 1986 to 1995.

Use Cases

• Analyzing spatial and temporal trends in monthly surface skin temperature from 1986 to 1995.
• Investigating the relationship between cloud parameters, like cloud top pressure, and atmospheric water vapor burdens.
• Using monthly standard deviation values for cloud optical depth to assess interannual variability.
• Comparing monthly minimum and maximum values of total column ozone across different geographic regions.
• Serving as a validation dataset for reanalysis products or satellite-derived climate records.

Strengths

• Provides a consistent decade-long record (1986-1995) for climate trend analysis.
• Includes statistical depth with monthly mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum values for each parameter.
• Offers global coverage with a standardized 1.0-degree by 1.0-degree spatial resolution.
• Its presence on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA EarthData, Data.gov) signals recognized importance and reliability.

Limitations

• The exact row count, file size, and complete column list are not specified in the provided sources.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, listing both 1995-12-31 and 2026-03 13, suggesting a metadata inconsistency.
• The license is ambiguously noted as 'other-license-specified', requiring users to investigate terms before use.

Provenance

Source

ORNL_CLOUD

Collection Method

null

Time Range

1986 to 1995

Freshness

2026-03-13 01:33:48.592702

Geography

Global, 1.0-degree x 1.0-degree spatial resolution