Abstract:
The CLARA-A2 record provides cloud properties, surface albedo and surface radiation parameters derived from the AVHRR sensor onboard polar orbiting NOAA and METOP satellites. This second edition is the improved and extended follow-up of the first version of the record (Karlsson et al., 2013; CLARA-A1 DOI: 10.5676/EUM_SAF_CM/CLARA_AVHRR/V001) which now covers a 34 year time period (1982-2015). Cloud products are available as monthly and daily averages and also as daily resampled global products (Level 2b) for individual satellites. Cloud parameter results are also presented as multi-parameter distributions (i.e., joint frequency histograms of cloud optical thickness, cloud top pressure and cloud phase) for daytime conditions. Surface albedo is presented as monthly and pentad (5 day) averages and is derived using all available data during the studied period. Surface radiation products are provided as monthly averages for the downwelling shortwave (including also daily averages) and the down- and upwelling longwave components. The monthly and daily averages are available on a 0.25°x0.25° global grid. Surface albedo and cloud products are also provided in two equal area grids with a resolution of 25 km x 25 km covering the polar regions. Daily resampled cloud products (level 2b) are provided in a global grid with a resolution of 0.05°x0.05°. For the latter, also a probabilistic cloud mask is added as an experimental product. This is a Thematic Climate Data Record (TCDR). An updated version of the TCDR is available. Users are recommended to use edition 2 of this TCDR (CLARA-2.1, EO:EUM:DAT:0338) .
