Global Monthly Cloud Properties Grid for Climate Model Comparison

Global VIIRS/NOAA20 satellite data provides monthly cloud properties on a 1x1 degree grid for comparison with climate model output. The dataset contains 32 aggregated science parameters, including cloud mask, cloud top, and optical retrieval data. NASA produces this netCDF4 product, with collection starting from March 2018 and providing 12 monthly files per year.

Use Cases

• Validating climate model cloud simulations using aggregated parameters like cloud optical depth and cloud top pressure.
• Analyzing global monthly trends in cloud frequency and vertical distribution from 2018 onward.
• Studying cloud microphysics through parameters such as cloud liquid water/ice and droplet concentration.
• Assessing regional cloud cover and height variability for atmospheric radiation studies.

Strengths

• Contains 32 specific science data sets (SDS) for detailed cloud analysis.
• Provides consistent global coverage on a standardized 1x1 degree grid.
• Time series begins March 2018 with regular monthly updates, supporting trend analysis.
• Data is structured for direct comparison with climate model output via the CFMIP Observation Simulator Package (COSP).

Limitations

• Exact row count, file size, and total data volume are not specified in any source.
• Sources disagree on license: Data.gov lists 'other-license-specified', while NASA Earthdata shows null.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the VIIRS instrument aboard the NOAA-20 platform, processed to Level 3 monthly aggregates.

Time Range

March 2018 to present (ongoing, with 12 granules per calendar year).

Freshness

2026-03-12 19:59:47.997973

Geography

Global, 1x1 degree latitude/longitude grid.