The Monthly Gridded Cloud Averages (ISCCP-D2like-day/nit), archival data product contains 3-hourly (GMT based) monthly and monthly 1° gridded regional mean cloud properties as a function of 18 cloud types, similar to the ISCCP D2 product, where the ... cloud properties are stratified by pressure, optical depth and phase. There is a dataset for Terra-MODIS and Aqua-MODIS as well as a day and nighttime dataset. The retrievals and therefore the quality are different for each dataset. For the MODIS based ISCCP D2-like products the cloud amounts for 42 cloud types, similar to the ISCCP D1 product, is also available. Input to the Subsystem is the Single Scanner Footprint TOA/Surface Fluxes and Clouds (SSF) archival data product. Each ISCCP-D2like covers a single month, using the SSF based on the CERES instrument, which is in cross-track scan mode. The science data are Scientific Data Sets (SDSs) with multiple records. Each record contains spatially averaged data for an individual region. The following tables are helpful in recognizing the structure of the HDF output.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Global Change Master Directory
City:
Greenbelt
Province or State:
Maryland
Postal Code:
20771
Country:
USA
Publications/References
Baum, B. A.; Welch, R. M.; Minnis, P.; Stowe, L. L.; Coakley, J. A., Jr.; Titlow, J.; Tovinkere, V.; Heck, P. W.; Trepte, Q.; Doelling, D. R.; Mayor, S.; Berendes, T.; Han, Q.; Christopher, S. A.; Kuo, K.-S.; Penaloza, M.; Logar, A.; and Davis, P.: Imager Clear-Sky Determination and Cloud Detection (Subsystem 4.1). "Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Algorithm Theoretical Basis ... Document, Volume III: Cloud Analyses and Determination of Improved Top of Atmosphere Fluxes (Subsystem 4)(Subsystem 4)" (PDF), NASA RP 1376 Vol. 3, edited by CERES Science Team, December, 1995, pp. 43-82.
Baum, B. A.; Minnis, P.; Coakley, J. A., Jr.; Wielicki, B. A.; Menzel, P.; Titlow, J.; Tovinkere, V.; Heck, P. ; and Mayor, S.: Imager Cloud Height Determination (Subsystem 4.2). "Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document, Volume III: Cloud Analyses and Determination of Improved Top of Atmosphere Fluxes (Subsystem 4)" (PDF), NASA RP 1376 Vol. 3, edited by CERES Science Team, December, 1995, pp. 83-134.
Kato, S.; Rose, F. G.; Charlock, T. P.; 2005: Computation of Domain-Averaged Irradiance Using Satellite-Derived Cloud Properties. J. of Atmos. and Oceanic Tech., 22, pp 146-164
Minnis, P.; Smith, W. L., Jr.; Garber, D. P.; Ayers, J. K.; and Doelling, D. R.: Cloud Properties Derived From GOES-7 for the Spring 1994 ARM Intensive Observing Period Using Version 1.0.0 of the ARM Satellite Data Analysis Program. NASA RP 1366, August 1995, 59 pp
