SWDB_L310: Daily Global Aerosol Measurements at 1.0-Degree Grid

Global daily satellite data provides aerosol optical thickness and Angstrom exponent values gridded at a 1.0 x 1.0-degree resolution. The dataset is derived from SeaWiFS Deep Blue Level 2 observations, with each grid cell representing the arithmetic mean of measurements taken on the specific day of interest. These parameters are primary for analyzing atmospheric aerosol properties and their radiative effects.

Use Cases

• Tracking daily global aerosol distribution based on aerosol optical thickness measurements.
• Analyzing aerosol particle size trends using the Angstrom exponent parameter.
• Validating climate and atmospheric models with gridded, satellite-derived aerosol data.
• Studiating long-term aerosol trends and events from a daily time-series perspective.

Strengths

• Data is available on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA EarthData, Data.gov), indicating established use and curation.
• Provides two key, physically-defined aerosol parameters (optical thickness and Angstrom exponent) for analysis.
• Features a consistent daily global gridded structure at 1.0-degree resolution for spatial comparability.

Limitations

• Column names and specific data structure are not documented in the provided metadata.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist between sources (2010 and 2026), casting doubt on data freshness and ongoing maintenance.
• License is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without clear terms for reuse.

Provenance

Source

GES_DISC (Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center)

Collection Method

Derived from SeaWiFS Deep Blue Level 2 satellite data, with daily gridded means calculated based on local measurement time.

Time Range

null

Freshness

2026-03-12 22:00:37.985703

Geography

Global