VNP43C2: VIIRS BRDF Snow-Free Model Parameters for Climate Models

NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP VIIRS VNP43C2 Version 1 was a daily global dataset of Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) and albedo model parameters. It provided 39 layers, including three BRDF weighting parameters (fiso, fvol, fgeo) for 13 spectral bands and four ancillary quality layers, derived from a 16-day moving window of snow-free observations. This 0.05-degree Climate Modeling Grid product was designed for use in climate simulation models but was decommissioned on July 31, 2025.

Use Cases

• Producing albedo maps for climate models based on the RossThick/Li-Sparse-Reciprocal BRDF model parameters.
• Generating Nadir BRDF-Adjusted Reflectance (NBAR) products using the supplied fiso, fvol, and fgeo parameters.
• Assessing surface anisotropy and radiative properties for snow-free land areas using the 13 VIIRS spectral bands.
• Evaluating data quality for BRDF retrievals using the ancillary layers for uncertainty, quality, and percent finer resolution inputs.

Strengths

• Provides 39 data layers, including parameters for 13 distinct VIIRS spectral and broadbands.
• Global coverage at a 0.05-degree (approximately 5.6 km) resolution suitable for climate modeling.
• Incorporates a temporal fitting process using a 16-day window to emphasize data quality on the central retrieval day.

Limitations

• The dataset is decommissioned (as of July 31, 2025), indicating it is not current and users must migrate to Version 2 products.
• Key metadata such as row count, file size, and specific license details are not provided across sources.
• Relies on snow-free acquisitions, limiting applicability for seasonal or high-latitude studies involving snow cover.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Suomi NPP satellite.

Collection Method

Derived daily from the 30 arc-second CMG VNP43D Version 1 product suite using a 16-day moving window of VIIRS acquisitions.

Freshness

Last updated metadata dates conflict between sources (2025-02-01 and 2026-04-09), but the product itself is decommissioned.

Geography

Global coverage.