SNDRSNML2RMS: All-Weather Atmospheric Profiles from Suomi NPP

RAMSES II algorithm generates atmospheric profiles using only microwave observations from the ATMS instrument, enabling retrievals in cloudy conditions where infrared-based methods fail. This version 1 test dataset covers eight months across 2013 and 2015, specifically targeting seasonal and ENSO cycle comparisons. Each level 2 granule represents 6 minutes of data, with 240 granules produced daily from the satellite's 16-day repeat orbit.

Use Cases

• Comparing atmospheric state retrievals between El Niño and La Niña phases based on the ENSO-focused sampling.
• Analyzing cloud properties and vertical distribution in all weather conditions, enabled by the microwave-only, non-cloud-clearing algorithm.
• Validating coupled infrared-microwave retrieval systems (e.g., CLIMCAPS) against a microwave-only benchmark.
• Studying seasonal cycles of temperature, water vapor, and surface skin temperature across the sampled months.
• Assimilating atmospheric pressure and temperature profiles into numerical weather prediction models.

Strengths

• Provides all-weather atmospheric retrievals due to the microwave-only RAMSES II algorithm which lacks a cloud-clearing process.
• Designed for specific climate research, with temporal sampling targeting a full seasonal cycle and different phases of the ENSO cycle.
• Has a well-defined granular structure, with 240 six-minute granules produced per day from the Suomi NPP platform.

Limitations

• Metadata conflict: last update dates are inconsistent, with one source showing 2026 and another 2015, casting doubt on data currency.
• The dataset is explicitly a version 1 test release, covering only 8 non-consecutive months, which limits long-term trend analysis.
• Column names and precise data structure are not provided in any source, complicating initial data exploration.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) on the Suomi NPP platform, processed by the RAMSES II retrieval algorithm.

Time Range

2013-2015 (specifically January, April, July, October of 2013 and 2015)

Freshness

2026-04-09 20:30:17.660465

Geography

Global coverage from the Suomi NPP satellite's polar orbit.