TERRA MODIS High-Resolution Monthly Aerosol Data, 0.1x0.1 Degree Grid

TERRA MODIS satellite data provides a high-resolution, global monthly record of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from February 2000 to the present. The Level 3 product combines retrievals from the Deep Blue and Dark Target algorithms, offering averaged AOD values, standard deviation, pixel counts, and average sensor zenith angle on a 0.1x0.1 degree grid. Users can select data from either algorithm or the combined product, with only the highest quality pixels included in the averages.

Use Cases

• Analyzing long-term global aerosol trends based on the monthly time series from February 2000 onward.
• Comparing regional air quality using the combined Deep Blue and Dark Target algorithm data.
• Filtering data for specific viewing geometries using the provided average sensor zenith angle.
• Assessing retrieval uncertainty for a given region using the standard deviation and pixel count fields.

Strengths

• Provides a continuous, long-term record from February 2000 to the present.
• Offers high spatial resolution at a 0.1x0.1 degree global grid.
• Combines two established MODIS algorithms (Deep Blue and Dark Target) for broader coverage.
• Includes quality metrics like standard deviation and pixel counts for uncertainty assessment.

Limitations

• Column names and exact data structure are not specified in the provided metadata.
• Specific file size and row counts are unknown, limiting precise data volume estimation.
• License is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified', requiring further investigation.

Provenance

Source

GES DISC (NASA)

Collection Method

Generated from Level 2 AOD retrievals from the MODIS instrument on the TERRA satellite, using Deep Blue and Dark Target algorithms.

Time Range

February 2000 to present

Freshness

Last updated on 2026-04 09 across two platforms.

Geography

Global