OMCLDRR_CPR: Cloud Pressure and Fraction from OMI/Aura Along CloudSat Tracks

OMI/Aura satellite data provides a Level-2 global product of effective cloud pressure and cloud fraction derived using the Rotational Raman Scattering method in the 392-398 nm spectral range. This specific subset collocates OMI observations within a 200-km swath across CloudSat tracks, containing ancillary geolocation, viewing angles, and quality flags. The dataset supports multi-sensor analysis within the A-Train satellite constellation.

Use Cases

• Validating cloud retrievals from CloudSat radar using collocated OMI spectral measurements.
• Analyzing cloud fraction and pressure gradients across a 200-km satellite swath.
• Studying the filling-in of Fraunhofer lines (Ring spectrum) for atmospheric scattering research.
• Fusing multi-instrument data for a more complete picture of atmospheric column properties.

Strengths

• Provides collocated data from two key A-Train satellites (OMI and CloudSat) for synergistic analysis.
• Derives cloud properties using a specific physical method (Rotational Raman Scattering) in a defined spectral range (392-398 nm).
• Contains ancillary parameters including terrain information, solar/satellite viewing angles, and quality flags.

Limitations

• Column names and precise data structure are not provided in any source, limiting detailed understanding.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist (2018-03-02 and 2026-04-09), creating uncertainty about data freshness.
• Dataset size and row counts are unknown across all platforms.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the OMI instrument on the Aura spacecraft, subset and collocated with CloudSat tracks.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated dates conflict: one source states 2018-03-02, another states 2026-04 09.

Geography

Global, with observations along CloudSat satellite ground tracks.