MODIS/Aqua Monthly Cloud Properties Gridded Data

MODIS/Aqua Cloud Properties Level 3 monthly product provides gridded statistics on cloud characteristics to ensure continuity between MODIS and VIIRS instruments. The dataset includes scalar and histogram data calculated identically to the standard MODIS Level-3 products. It is produced by the LAADS organization and was last updated in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Analyzing global cloud fraction and cloud frequency distributions from gridded scalar datasets.
• Investigating relationships between cloud top height and cloud top temperature using 2-D histogram data.
• Studying cloud radiative properties through datasets on cloud emissivity and infrared radiance.
• Comparing cloud property statistics from the Aqua platform with Terra MODIS and VIIRS continuity products.

Strengths

• Designed for continuity between MODIS and VIIRS instruments, ensuring consistent long-term analysis.
• Includes statistical routines (scalar and 1-D/2-D histograms) identical to the standard MODIS Level-3 products.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not provided by any source.
• License information is inconsistently reported as 'other-license-specified' or null across platforms.

Provenance

Source

LAADS

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the MODIS instrument on the Aqua platform, processed into Level-3 gridded statistics.

Time Range

null

Freshness

2026-03-12 23:52:02.245312

Geography

Global, 1x1 degree grid.