Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) Derived Vertically Integrated Liquid Water Langley DAAC Data Set Document

Summary:

Table of Contents:

1. Data Set Overview:

Data Set Identification:

Data Set Introduction:

The uncertainties in the cloud liquid water observations are estimated to range typically from about 25to 40 0epending on the surface and atmospheric conditions and on the amount of liquid water (Greenwald et al., 1993). A limited comparison to ground-based microwave radiometer measurements over the North Sea and at San Nicolas Island off the coast of California revealed rms differences of 0.036-0.046 mm. The water vapor observations, when compared to a limited set of radiosonde measurements, have estimated uncertainties of 5.9 mm for water vapor above about 30 mm and 1.9 mm for water vapor below 30 mm (Greenwald et al., 1993).

The liquid water data set consists of the average of all the liquid water retrievals. That is, even under situations where there is an absence of clouds within the instrument's field of view (FOV), the retrievals are still included in the monthly average. This data set is appropriate for comparing observations of liquid water to, for example, GCM simulations of cloud liquid water.

Objective/Purpose:

Summary of Parameters:

Discussion:

Related Data Sets:

2. Investigator(s):

Investigator(s) Name and Title:

Ian L. Wittmeyer

Title of Investigation:

Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I)

Contact Information:

3. Theory of Measurements:

4. Equipment:

Sensor/Instrument Description:

Collection Environment:

Source/Platform:

Source/Platform Mission Objectives:

Key Variables:

Principles of Operation:

Sensor/Instrument Measurement Geometry:

Manufacturer of Sensor/Instrument:

Sensor/Instrument:

Calibration:

Specifications:

Tolerance:

Frequency of Calibration:

Other Calibration Information:

5. Data Acquisition Methods:

6. Observations:

Data Notes:

Field Notes:

7. Data Description:

Spatial Characteristics:

Spatial Coverage:

Spatial Coverage Map:

Spatial Resolution:

Projection:

Grid Description:

Temporal Characteristics:

Temporal Coverage:

Temporal Coverage Map:

Temporal Resolution:

Data Characteristics:

Parameter/Variable:

Variable Description/Definition:

Unit of Measurement:

Data Source:

Data Range:

Sample Data Record:

8. Data Organization:

Data Granularity:

A general description of data granularity as it applies to the IMS appears in the EOSDIS Glossary.

Data Format:

The data are in Hierarchical Data Format (HDF).

9. Data Manipulations:

Formulae:

Derivation Techniques and Algorithms:

Data Processing Sequence:

Processing Steps:

Processing Changes:

Calculations:

Special Corrections/Adjustments:

Calculated Variables:

Graphs and Plots:

Images are available for this data set.

10. Errors:

Sources of Error:

Quality Assessment:

Data Validation by Source:

Confidence Level/Accuracy Judgement:

Measurement Error for Parameters:

Additional Quality Assessments:

Data Verification by Data Center:

11. Notes:

Limitations of the Data:

Known Problems with the Data:

Usage Guidance:

Any Other Relevant Information about the Study:

12. Application of the Data Set:

13. Future Modifications and Plans:

There are no plans to modify these data sets.

14. Software:

Software Description:

Sample read software is available for this data set.

Software Access:

The software can be obtained through the Langley DAAC. Please refer to the contact information below. The software can also be obtained at the same time the user is ordering this data set through the Langley DAAC home page.

15. Data Access:

Contact Information:

Data Center Identification:

Procedures for Obtaining Data:

Data Center Status/Plans:

16. Output Products and Availability:

There are no output products available at this time.

17. References:

18. Glossary of Terms:

EOSDIS Glossary.

19. List of Acronyms:

20. Document Information: