SNDRSNIML2CCPCCR: Suomi NPP Cloud-Cleared Radiances for Atmospheric Profiling

Data from the Suomi NPP satellite's CrIS/ATMS instruments, processed with the CLIMCAPS algorithm to produce cloud-cleared radiances. The dataset provides infrared and microwave spectral data from 2211 CrIS channels and 22 ATMS channels, organized into 240 six-minute granules per day. It is used to infer atmospheric state variables, with a latency of 3 to 7 weeks due to its reliance on MERRA-2 reanalysis for initial conditions.

Use Cases

• Retrieving atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles based on cloud-cleared infrared and microwave radiances.
• Studying cloud properties and their radiative effects using the cloud-clearing algorithm applied to 3x3 CrIS field-of-view arrays.
• Assimilating clear-sky radiance observations into numerical weather prediction models to improve forecast accuracy.
• Conducting long-term climate studies using a consistent, community-developed retrieval system (CLIMCAPS).

Strengths

• Provides high spectral resolution data from 2211 infrared channels and 22 microwave channels, enabling detailed atmospheric profiling.
• Implements a sophisticated cloud-clearing algorithm to derive clear-column radiances, a critical step for accurate retrievals under partly cloudy conditions.
• Offers global coverage with high temporal resolution, producing 240 data granules per day from the Suomi NPP satellite.

Limitations

• Dataset size, row count, and specific column schema are not provided in the source metadata, limiting assessment of structure and volume.
• Product latency is 3 to 7 weeks due to dependence on the MERRA-2 reanalysis, making it unsuitable for near-real-time applications.
• The cloud-clearing algorithm assumes uniform surface and atmospheric state across the 3x3 field-of-view array, which may not hold in all conditions.

Provenance

Source

GES_DISC (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from the Suomi NPP platform's CrIS and ATMS instruments, processed by the CLIMCAPS algorithm.

Freshness

2026-04-09 22:55:11.085079

Geography

Global