SNPPCrISL1BNSR: Suomi NPP Satellite Infrared Sounder Radiance Data

From November 2, 2015 onward, the Suomi NPP CrIS Level 1B Normal Spectral Resolution V3 dataset provides calibrated infrared radiance measurements from the Cross-track Infrared Sounder instrument. Each data granule contains 1,317 spectral channels across shortwave, midwave, and longwave bands, organized into 30 cross-track by 45 along-track fields-of-regard, each comprising a 3x3 array of field-of-views. The data is processed on six-minute boundaries and is designed to be used with the ATMS microwave sounder as part of the CrIMSS suite.

Use Cases

• Atmospheric profile retrieval based on 1,317 spectral channels of radiance data.
• Calibration and validation of weather models based on high-spectral-resolution infrared observations.
• Trace gas concentration analysis based on specific absorption features in the shortwave and midwave bands.
• Synergistic data assimilation with microwave data (ATMS) as part of the CrIMSS processing suite.
• Geolocation and quality assessment of satellite observations based on ancillary spacecraft and instrument data.

Strengths

• Provides high-spectral-resolution data with 1,317 distinct infrared channels.
• Offers a spatially detailed grid with 30 x 45 fields-of-regard, each containing 9 field-of-views.
• Version 3 includes documented improvements to calibration, geolocation, and quality monitoring.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA Earthdata and Data.gov signals its importance and curation.

Limitations

• Column names and specific data structure are not provided in the available metadata.
• The dataset's size, row count, and specific license details are not specified.
• Data prior to November 2, 2015 is only available in Normal Spectral Resolution, limiting full-resolution historical analysis.

Provenance

Source

GES_DISC (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the Suomi NPP spacecraft's Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) instrument.

Time Range

Data collection began with the Suomi NPP mission; specific start date not provided. Version 3 includes data from at least November 2, 2015 onward.

Freshness

Last updated metadata date is 2026-04-09.

Geography

Global coverage from the polar-orbiting Suomi NPP satellite.