Seven DMSP satellites collected brightness temperature data from July 1987 onward, with nearly global daily coverage from roughly 15 orbits per day. Remote Sensing Systems produced this inter-calibrated Fundamental Climate Data Record for 31 channels across SSM/I and SSMIS sensors. The Version 7 processing updated absorption models and corrected biases in cloud water and rain algorithms.
Use Cases
- Analyze long-term trends in atmospheric water vapor using the 31 channel brightness temperature measurements.
- Validate and improve cloud water retrieval algorithms using the corrected cloud data field with values ranging from -0.05 to 2.45 mm.
- Calibrate other satellite sensors by comparing inter-calibrated brightness temperatures across the seven DMSP satellites.
- Study global precipitation patterns by applying the updated rain algorithm, which increased global mean rain rates by about 16%.
Strengths
- Data spans over 35 years from July 1987 through the present.
- Covers nearly global daily coverage from approximately 15 orbits per day.
- Includes 31 sensor channels (7 SSM/I and 24 SSMIS) at original resolution.
- Version 7 processing specifically addressed biases in cloud water and rain rates.
Limitations
- Spatial resolution varies from ~50 km to ~15 km, limiting fine-scale analysis.
- Data has a one-month latency, not suitable for real-time monitoring.
- Specific row counts, file sizes, and detailed sample data are unknown.
Provenance
- Source
- Remote Sensing Systems (RSS) for NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.
- Collection Method
- Passive microwave radiometers (SSM/I and SSMIS) onboard seven Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites.
- Time Range
- July 1987 through the present.
- Freshness
- Updated with a one-month latency.
- Geography
- Nearly global coverage.