VIIRS SNPP Daily Cloud Properties for Climate Model Comparison

Satellite-derived cloud property data provides 32 aggregated science parameters for daily, 1x1 degree global grids. The dataset is produced by NASA and is designed specifically for comparison with climate model output via the CFMIP Observation Simulator Package (COSP). Data collection began on March 1, 2012, with 365 daily files generated per calendar year.

Use Cases

• Comparing satellite-observed cloud optical depth and droplet size with climate model outputs.
• Analyzing global daily trends in cloud top pressure and height from March 2012 onward.
• Validating cloud frequency and vertical distribution parameters in atmospheric research.
• Studying cloud microphysical properties like liquid water and ice content over time.

Strengths

• Contains 32 specific science data sets (SDS) for detailed cloud analysis.
• Provides daily global coverage on a consistent 1x1 degree grid since March 2012.
• Designed for the CFMIP Observation Simulator Package (COSP), ensuring relevance for climate model intercomparison.

Limitations

• The exact row count, file size, and specific column names are not provided by any source.
• License information is inconsistent, listed as 'other-license-specified' on Data.gov but absent on NASA Earthdata.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Aggregated Level 3 product derived from VIIRS sensor on the SNPP satellite.

Time Range

March 1, 2012 to present (ongoing, with 365 daily files per year).

Freshness

2026-03-12 20:27:31.324574

Geography

Global, 1x1 degree latitude/longitude grid.