Abstract
Abstract. The second edition of the satellite-derived climate data record CLARA (The CM SAF Cloud, Albedo And Surface Radiation dataset from AVHRR data – second edition denoted as CLARA-A2) is described. The data record covers the 34-year period from 1982 until 2015 and consists of cloud, surface albedo and surface radiation budget products derived from the AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) sensor carried by polar-orbiting, operational meteorological satellites. The data record is produced by the EUMETSAT Climate Monitoring Satellite Application Facility (CM SAF) project as part of the operational ground segment. Its upgraded content and methodology improvements since edition 1 are described in detail, as are some major validation results. Some of the main improvements to the data record come from a major effort in cleaning and homogenizing the basic AVHRR level-1 radiance record and a systematic use of CALIPSO-CALIOP cloud information for development and validation purposes. Examples of applications studying decadal changes in Arctic summer surface albedo and cloud conditions are provided.
Highlights
Global distribution of cloudiness and existing cloud feedback on the radiative forcing continue to be important topics in climate research
Examples of important guidelines for the compilation of climate data records (CDRs) are (1) to apply the highest standards and guidelines as outlined by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), (2) to process satellite data within a true international collaboration benefiting from developments at international level, and (3) to perform intensive validation and improvement of the Climate Monitoring Satellite Application Facility (CM SAF) CDRs, including a major role in data record assessments performed by research orga
We have described the CLARA-A2 dataset – an improved 34-year cloud, surface albedo and radiation budget data record based on data from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensor on polar orbiting operational meteorological satellites
Summary
Global distribution of cloudiness and existing cloud feedback on the radiative forcing continue to be important topics in climate research. One of CM SAF’s CDRs is CLARA: “The CM SAF Cloud, Albedo And Surface Radiation dataset from AVHRR data”. It is based on data from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) operated on-board polar orbiting NOAA satellites as well as by the MetOp polar orbiters operated by EUMETSAT since 2006. 4 through 6 explain the most significant improvements made to retrieval methods for the three different groups of parameters (clouds, surface albedo and radiation) together with some validation results For the latter, some focus has been on extensive intercomparisons being made to space-borne active lidar cloud retrievals (CALIPSO-CALIOP) and to other existing satellitebased data records (e.g. PATMOS-x and MODIS).
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