VIIRS/SNPP Monthly Cloud Properties for Climate Model Comparison

32 aggregated science data sets provide VIIRS SNPP cloud mask, top, and optical retrieval data on a 1x1 degree grid. This Level 3 monthly product is designed for direct comparison with climate model output via the CFMIP Observation Simulator Package (COSP). Data collection by the LAADS organization began on March 1, 2012, with 12 monthly granules produced each year.

Use Cases

• Validating climate model cloud simulations using aggregated parameters like cloud optical depth and cloud top pressure.
• Analyzing long-term monthly trends in global cloud frequency and vertical distribution.
• Studying cloud microphysics through parameters such as cloud liquid water/ice and droplet concentration/size.
• Comparing satellite-derived cloud mask and cloud height data with other observational datasets.

Strengths

• Contains 32 specific science data sets (SDS) for detailed cloud analysis.
• Provides a continuous monthly time series starting from March 2012.
• Data is structured using the COSP framework for direct climate model comparison.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA Earthdata and Data.gov signals established importance.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and a complete column list are not provided by any source.
• License is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' on some platforms and 'None' on others, requiring user verification.

Provenance

Source

LAADS organization, derived from VIIRS instrument on the Suomi NPP satellite.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data aggregated into Level 3 monthly statistics on a 1x1 degree grid.

Time Range

March 2012 to present, with ongoing monthly updates.

Freshness

2026-03-12 20:10:12.948242

Geography

Global coverage on a 1x1 degree latitude/longitude grid.