Abstract:
The Monthly Gridded Cloud Averages (ISCCP-D2like-Mrg) data product contains monthly and monthly 3-hourly (GMT-based) 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. The Mrg product combines daytime cloud properties from Terra-MODIS (10:30 AM local equator ... crossing time LECT), Aqua-MODIS (1:30 PM LECT), and geostationary satellites (GEO) to provide the most diurnally complete daytime ISCCP-D2like product. The GEO cloud properties have been normalized with MODIS for diurnal consistency. The CERES MODIS-derived cloud properties are not the official NASA MODIS cloud retrievals, but are based on the CERES cloud working group retrievals that are also available in other CERES products. The CERES MODIS-derived cloud properties provide coverage from pole to pole. The 3-hourly GMT-based GEO cloud properties come from five satellites at 8km nominal resolution with coverage limited to to . The GEO daytime cloud retrievals incorporate only a visible and IR channel common to all geostationary satellites for spatial consistency. The geostationary calibration is normalized to Terra-MODIS. Each ISCCP-D2like file covers a single month. Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) is a key component of the Earth Observing System (EOS) program. The CERES instruments provide radiometric measurements of the Earth's atmosphere from three broadband channels. The CERES missions are a follow-on to the successful Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) mission. The first CERES instrument (PFM) was launched on November 27, 1997 as part of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Two CERES instruments (FM1 and FM2) were launched into polar orbit on board the EOS flagship Terra on December 18, 1999. Two additional CERES instruments (FM3 and FM4) were launched on board EOS Aqua on May 4, 2002. The newest CERES instrument (FM5) was launched on board the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite on October 28, 2011.
