Aura MLS Atmospheric Diagnostics on a Near-Global Grid

MLS/Aura Level 2 Diagnostics data contains minor frame diagnostic quantities like tangent pressure and chi-square fits to measured radiances, alongside cloud-induced radiances for selected channels. Data coverage spans from August 8, 2004, to the present, with near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude. The data product is generated by the EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument and distributed by the GES DISC.

Use Cases

• Analyze cloud-induced radiances from the auxiliary cloud file to study cloud properties and their radiative effects.
• Use tangent pressure and geolocation fields to map the vertical structure of atmospheric diagnostics along the satellite orbit track.
• Employ chi-square values describing fits to measured radiances to assess retrieval quality and uncertainty for different atmospheric species.
• Correlate the number of radiances used in various retrieval phases with the final diagnostic output to understand retrieval algorithm performance.

Strengths

• Long-term temporal coverage from August 2004 to present, enabling climate trend analysis.
• Near-global spatial coverage from -82 to +82 degrees latitude with profiles spaced ~165 km along the orbit track.
• Contains specific diagnostic quantities like tangent pressure and chi-square fits, providing direct insight into retrieval processes.

Limitations

• Vertical resolution varies between species and is limited, typically ranging from 3 to 6 km.
• Spatial coverage is not fully global, excluding polar regions above 82 degrees latitude.
• Data structure and specific column details are not provided, requiring users to consult external documentation.

Provenance

Source

EOS Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument, distributed by NASA GES DISC.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing measurements processed into Level 2 diagnostic products.

Time Range

August 8, 2004 to current.

Freshness

Data coverage is to current, suggesting ongoing updates.

Geography

Near-global, -82 degrees to +82 degrees latitude.