MCD06COSP_D3_MODIS: Combined Aqua/Terra Cloud Properties Monthly Grid

23 aggregated science data sets provide monthly, global cloud property observations on a 1x1 degree grid. This Level 3 product is derived from daily MODIS data and is designed for climate scientists working with models and observations. The Collection 6.2 version includes fixes for bugs identified in the previous C6.1 release.

Use Cases

• Evaluating cloud feedback in climate models based on aggregated satellite observations.
• Analyzing global cloud frequency and distribution patterns from monthly geospatial data.
• Studying cloud microphysical properties, such as optical depth and liquid water content, over time.
• Comparing model-simulated cloud fields against observations using the CFMIP Observation Simulator Package (COSP) framework.

Strengths

• Contains 23 distinct science data sets (SDS/parameters) for detailed cloud analysis.
• Represents an improved Collection 6.2 version with bug fixes from the prior C6.1 release.
• Aggregates data from both Aqua and Terra MODIS instruments for combined daily coverage.

Limitations

• Column names and specific parameters are not listed in the available metadata.
• License information is listed as 'other-license-specified' on Data.gov but is 'None' on NASA Earthdata, creating uncertainty.
• Dataset size and row counts are unknown across all sources.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Derived by aggregating the daily-produced Aqua+Terra/MODIS D3 Cloud Properties product (MCD06COSP_D3_MODIS).

Freshness

2026-04-10 00:59:43.693294

Geography

Global, 1x1 degree grid