MODIS Terra Cloud Properties Swath Data at 1km and 5km Resolution

2000-present data from the MODIS/Terra satellite provides cloud optical and physical parameters at 1km and 5km spatial resolution. Each file covers a five-minute swath, with parameters derived from infrared, visible, and near-infrared solar reflected radiances. This NASA-produced dataset supports the investigation of seasonal and inter-annual changes in global cloud cover and phase.

Use Cases

• Analyzing cloud top temperature and height for weather model validation.
• Studying cloud optical thickness and effective particle radius to understand radiative forcing.
• Investigating cloud phase (ice vs. water) and fraction for climate trend analysis.
• Mapping global cloud cover and cirrus distribution at high spatial resolution.
• Using quality assurance (QA) flags to filter retrieval confidence for specific studies.

Strengths

• Provides high spatial resolution parameters at 1km and 5km at nadir.
• Derives cloud properties from multispectral observations (infrared, visible, near-infrared).
• Covers both daytime and nighttime conditions for continuous monitoring.
• Each data file represents a consistent five-minute observation interval.

Limitations

• Exact row count, total dataset size, and specific column names are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on license: Data.gov lists 'other-license-specified', while NASA Earthdata lists null.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Remotely sensed radiances from the MODIS instrument aboard the Terra satellite.

Time Range

2000-present (implied by MODIS Terra mission lifetime)

Freshness

2026-03-13 00:17:15.151747

Geography

Global