MODIS/Aqua MYD16A2: Global 8-Day Evapotranspiration at 500m Resolution

MYD16A2 Version 6 is a global 8-day composite dataset providing evapotranspiration and latent heat flux estimates at a 500-meter pixel resolution. The product, produced by NASA using MODIS/Aqua satellite data and a Penman-Monteith-based algorithm, includes layers for actual and potential evapotranspiration and latent heat flux. This version was decommissioned on July 31, 2023, with users directed to the updated Version 6.1.

Use Cases

• Modeling regional water budgets based on 8-day evapotranspiration sums
• Analyzing land surface energy fluxes using average latent heat values
• Monitoring vegetation water stress and drought conditions based on evapotranspiration dynamics
• Validating and improving hydrological models using satellite-derived ET and PET layers

Strengths

• Spatial resolution improved to 500 meters from 1,000 meters in the previous version
• Algorithm incorporates daily meteorological reanalysis data alongside MODIS vegetation, albedo, and land cover products
• Includes a dedicated quality control layer for data assessment

Limitations

• This specific version (V006) was decommissioned in July 2023; users must migrate to the newer version
• The last acquisition period of each year is a shorter 5 or 6-day composite, not 8 days
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Produced from MODIS/Aqua satellite remotely sensed data products and daily meteorological reanalysis data using a Penman-Monteith-based algorithm.

Time Range

8-day composite periods from the MODIS/Aqua mission, with the last period each year being 5-6 days.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-12 23:48:39.336227; freshness should be verified

Geography

Global