MODIS Aqua Monthly Cloud Properties for Climate Model Comparison

NASA's MODIS/Aqua Cloud Properties COSP Level 3 dataset provides 32 aggregated science parameters for cloud mask, cloud top, and cloud optical properties on a monthly, 1x1 degree global grid. Data collection began on August 1, 2002, with 12 monthly granules produced each year. This product is specifically designed to facilitate direct comparison with climate model output via the CFMIP Observation Simulator Package (COSP).

Use Cases

• Validating and tuning climate model cloud parameterizations using the custom COSP-simulator variables.
• Analyzing long-term trends in global cloud optical depth and cloud top properties from August 2002 onward.
• Studying spatial patterns of cloud frequency, height, and vertical distribution on a 1x1 degree monthly grid.
• Investigating relationships between cloud microphysical properties like liquid water/ice content and atmospheric conditions.

Strengths

• Contains 32 specific science data sets (SDS) for detailed cloud analysis.
• Provides a continuous time series starting August 2002, with consistent monthly granules.
• Data is structured for direct comparison with climate models via the standardized COSP framework.

Limitations

• Key metadata like row count, file size, and specific column names are unavailable across all platforms.
• License information is inconsistently reported: one source specifies 'other-license-specified' while others list none.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from the MODIS instrument aboard the Aqua spacecraft, processed to Level 3 monthly grids.

Time Range

August 1, 2002 to present

Freshness

2026-03-13 00:24:47.963368

Geography

Global, 1x1 degree grid