ISLSCP I: Global Land Surface Hydrology, Radiation, and Vegetation Data

Pre-LBA ISLSCP Initiative I Data provides processed global environmental variables for land-biosphere-atmosphere modeling. The dataset integrates hydrology, soils, radiation, cloud, and vegetation data for 1987-1988 at a 1-degree spatial resolution and monthly temporal resolution. Data were sourced from models, satellites, and ground measurements, then regridded and averaged to ensure spatial and temporal continuity.

Use Cases

• Initializing land-biosphere-atmosphere models based on integrated hydrology, radiation, and vegetation fields.
• Analyzing seasonal variations in land surface properties using monthly data from 1987-1988.
• Studying spatial patterns of soil and vegetation characteristics at a 1-degree global resolution.
• Forcing climate or ecological models with consistent boundary condition data derived from multiple sources.

Strengths

• Data are processed to a consistent 1-degree x 1-degree global grid with a common land/sea mask, ensuring spatial comparability.
• Covers a specific two-year period (1987-1988) with monthly resolution for seasonally varying quantities.
• Integrates data from multiple authoritative sources including model output, satellites, and ground measurements.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are unknown across all platforms.
• The dataset is historical, covering only 1987-1988, which may limit analysis of long-term trends.
• A conflict exists in the 'last updated' metadata between platforms (2026 vs. 1988), casting doubt on maintenance status.

Provenance

Source

International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP), National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Data were acquired from model output, satellites, and ground measurements, then regridded, reformatted, and averaged by a publication team.

Time Range

1987-1988

Freshness

2026-04-09 23:05:10.117535

Geography

Global coverage, with companion illustrations subset for the LBA study area (35-85°W, 20°S to 10°N).