CLDPROPCOSP_D3_VIIRS_NOAA20: Daily Global Cloud Properties for Climate Models

Global satellite data from the NOAA-20 spacecraft provides daily cloud mask, cloud top, and cloud optical retrieval information on a 1x1 degree grid. The dataset contains 32 aggregated science parameters designed for direct comparison with climate model output via the CFMIP Observation Simulator Package (COSP). Data collection began on February 17, 2018, and includes 365 daily files per calendar year.

Use Cases

• Evaluating cloud feedbacks in climate models based on aggregated satellite cloud optical depth and thickness parameters.
• Analyzing global cloud frequency and height distributions from daily gridded cloud mask and cloud top data.
• Comparing simulated and observed cloud microphysical properties, such as liquid water and droplet concentration.
• Studying temporal trends in cloud vertical distribution and top pressure from a multi-year satellite record.

Strengths

• Contains 32 specific science data sets (SDS/parameters) for detailed cloud analysis.
• Provides a long-term, consistent daily record starting from February 17, 2018.
• Data is structured using the COSP framework, enabling direct comparison with major climate model intercomparison projects.

Limitations

• Key metadata such as exact row count, file size, and specific column names are not provided in the available sources.
• License information is inconsistently reported as 'other-license-specified' on some platforms and absent on others, requiring user verification.
• The spatial resolution is limited to a 1x1 degree global grid, which may not capture fine-scale cloud features.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the VIIRS instrument aboard the NOAA-20 spacecraft, processed to Level 3 daily gridded products.

Time Range

2018-02-17 to present

Freshness

2026-04-09 20:45:42.681732

Geography

Global