Monthly and Annual Low Cloud Type Frequency from MODIS Aqua Satellite

2007 data provides aggregated occurrence frequency for six low-cloud types on a 2.0° x 2.0° global grid. The product is derived from MODIS Aqua satellite L2 data as part of the 2017 MEaSUREs project by NASA's GES DISC. It includes monthly and annual mean values for the specified year.

Use Cases

• Analyzing spatial patterns of Closed-cellular MCC occurrence frequency across 2.0° grid cells.
• Studying the seasonal cycle of Solid Stratus clouds using the monthly mean data for 2007.
• Comparing annual mean occurrence of Open-cellular MCC versus Suppressed Cumulus for the 60°S-60°N latitude band.
• Mapping the global distribution of Clustered Cumulus and Disorganized MCC types from the gridded data.
• Correlating low-cloud type frequencies with other climate variables using the provided latitude and longitude grid.

Strengths

• Covers a full annual cycle for 2007 with both monthly and annual temporal aggregations.
• Provides data on six distinct low-cloud types (e.g., Closed-cellular MCC, Solid Stratus).
• Offers global spatial coverage from 60°S to 60°N and 180°W to 180°E.
• Data is derived from the MODIS Aqua instrument, a well-established satellite sensor.

Limitations

• Data is limited to a single year (2007), preventing long-term trend analysis.
• Spatial resolution is coarse at 2.0° x 2.0°, limiting fine-scale regional studies.
• Described as a beta version product, which may indicate unverified algorithms or preliminary quality.

Provenance

Source

NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).

Collection Method

Calculated from MODIS Aqua Level 2 cloud products (MYD_L2_CB and MYD_L2_MPLCT) using an object-oriented approach for the 2017 MEaSUREs project.

Time Range

2007

Geography

Global, 60°S to 60°N, 180°W to 180°E.