AIRS Applications Browse Tool
Imagery for decision makers from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder Project at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
About the AIRS Browse Tool for Applications
Create and share layered maps from NASA satellite data
The AIRS Browse Tool for Applications was created to display imagery created by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder instrument aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite along with select imagery from other NASA missions. The tool pulls imagery archived in GIBS, NASA's Global Imagery Browse Services system. GIBS provides quick access to almost 200 NASA satellite image products covering every part of the world, and many products are available within 3-5 hours of observation.
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit, AMSU, senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations all the way down to Earth's surface, even in the presence of heavy clouds. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations, and many other atmospheric phenomena.
Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly aboard NASA's Aqua satellite and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Califorina, under contract to NASA. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
More information about AIRS can be found at airs.jpl.nasa.gov.
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CO 500 hPa (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Carbon monoxide in units of parts per billion by volume at the 500 hPa pressure level, approximately 5500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level. The 500 hPa pressure level is near the divide between upper and lower halves of atmospheric mass and is often referred to as a steering level. Many midlatitude weather systems between this level and Earth's surface move in roughly the same direction as winds at the 500 hPa level. Carbon monoxide is a pollutant that can persist in the atmosphere for roughly one month and be transported large distances, and it plays a role in both air pollution and climate change. Carbon monoxide is produced in the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, coal, and wood. Humans contribute large quantities of carbon monoxide, mostly as a result of automobile emissions. Natural sources include volcanoes and wildfires. Carbon monoxide is the most abundant pollutant (by mass) in Earth’s atmosphere.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: COVMRLevStd; pressure level is at element 7
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
CO 500 hPa (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Carbon monoxide in units of parts per billion by volume at the 500 hPa pressure level, approximately 5500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level. The 500 hPa pressure level is near the divide between upper and lower halves of atmospheric mass and is often referred to as a steering level. Many midlatitude weather systems between this level and Earth's surface move in roughly the same direction as winds at the 500 hPa level. Carbon monoxide is a pollutant that can persist in the atmosphere for roughly one month and be transported large distances, and it plays a role in both air pollution and climate change. Carbon monoxide is produced in the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, coal, and wood. Humans contribute large quantities of carbon monoxide, mostly as a result of automobile emissions. Natural sources include volcanoes and wildfires. Carbon monoxide is the most abundant pollutant (by mass) in Earth’s atmosphere.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: COVMRLevStd; pressure level is at element 7
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Dust Score (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Dust score is determined from multiple tests that compare radiances in select AIRS spectral channels. Radiances measured in channels that are sensitive to dust are compared to radiances measured in channels that are not sensitive to dust. The differences between several pairs of channels are represented as a dust score. Higher scores indicate more certainty that dust is present. Dust is probable when the score is above 380. AIRS dust can also be a proxy for volcanic ash. Dust products derived from AIRS observations can indicate the possibility of volcanic activity, but more detailed analysis is required to confirm the presence of volcanic clouds or estimate the composition and quantity of materials in the clouds.
Image Resolution
2 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 dust_score is nominally 13.5 km/pixel, the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2SUP_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2SUP (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: dust_score
Resolution: 13.5 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2SUP_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Dust Score (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Dust score is determined from multiple tests that compare radiances in select AIRS spectral channels. Radiances measured in channels that are sensitive to dust are compared to radiances measured in channels that are not sensitive to dust. The differences between several pairs of channels are represented as a dust score. Higher scores indicate more certainty that dust is present. Dust is probable when the score is above 380. AIRS dust can also be a proxy for volcanic ash. Dust products derived from AIRS observations can indicate the possibility of volcanic activity, but more detailed analysis is required to confirm the presence of volcanic clouds or estimate the composition and quantity of materials in the clouds.
Image Resolution
2 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 dust_score is nominally 13.5 km/pixel, the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2SUP_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2SUP (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: dust_score
Resolution: 13.5 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2SUP_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Wind Speed (Day) [GCOM-W1/AMSR2]
Temporal coverage: 7 June 2015 - Present
The AMSR2 Wind Speed (Day) layer indicates the speed at which air is moving over the ocean and is measured in meters per second (m/s). Wind is caused by the difference in atmospheric pressure between high and low pressure weather systems. The AMSR2 instrument measures the ocean surface roughness and this is correlated to wind speeds at 10 meters above the water’s surface. The wind speed layer is useful for looking at areas of high wind and how it affects the weather in these regions.
The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) instrument is a conically scanning passive microwave radiometer sensing microwave radiation at 12 channels and 6 frequencies ranging from 6.9 to 89 GHz on board the Global Change Observation Mission – Water 1 (GCOM-W1) satellite. This layer is part of the GCOM-W1 AMSR2 Level-2B rain and ocean (combined) product, which is calculated by the Goddard PROFiling algorithm (GPROF) 2010 version 2 using resampled brightness temperature (Level-1R) data provided by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The imagery resolution is 2 km and sensor resolution is 5 km. The temporal resolution is daily.
References: NRT AMSR2 L2B Global Swath GSFC Profiling Algorithm 2010; Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) and GCOM-W (AMSR2) Rainfall Products
Wind Speed (Night) [GCOM-W1/AMSR2]
Temporal coverage: 7 June 2015 - Present
The AMSR2 Wind Speed (Night) layer indicates the speed at which air is moving over the ocean and is measured in meters per second (m/s). Wind is caused by the difference in atmospheric pressure between high and low pressure weather systems. The AMSR2 instrument measures the ocean surface roughness and this is correlated to wind speeds at 10 meters above the water’s surface. The wind speed layer is useful for looking at areas of high wind and how it affects the weather in these regions.
The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) instrument is a conically scanning passive microwave radiometer sensing microwave radiation at 12 channels and 6 frequencies ranging from 6.9 to 89 GHz on board the Global Change Observation Mission – Water 1 (GCOM-W1) satellite. This layer is part of the GCOM-W1 AMSR2 Level-2B rain and ocean (combined) product, which is calculated by the Goddard PROFiling algorithm (GPROF) 2010 version 2 using resampled brightness temperature (Level-1R) data provided by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The imagery resolution is 2 km and sensor resolution is 5 km. The temporal resolution is daily.
References: NRT AMSR2 L2B Global Swath GSFC Profiling Algorithm 2010; Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) and GCOM-W (AMSR2) Rainfall Products
OLR (Day, L3)
OLR (Night, L3)
Precipitation Estimate (Day)
The AIRS Precipitation Estimate is an estimate of daily precipitation measured in millimeters using cloud-related parameters of cloud-top pressure, fractional cloud cover, and cloud-layer relative humidity. The precipitation algorithm is a regression between these parameters and observed precipitation data. It is an estimate from AIRS using a TOVS-like algorithm and is intended for merging into the precipitation product of GPCP, the Global Precipitation Climatology Project.
Data
AIRS Precipitation Estimate is found in the AIRS Level 2 Support Retrieval (AIRS+AMSU) (AIRX2SUP_NRT), variable name AIRG2SSD. The imagery resolution is 2km and sensor resolution is 45km. Temporal resolution is daily. Temporal availability in GIBS is from May 8, 2012–present.
GES DISC - AIRS NRT Products and Images
Resources
For further description of the retrieval method, please refer to Susskind, J., P. Piraino, L. Rokke, L. Iredell, and A. Mehta, 1997: Characteristics of the TOVS Pathfinder Path A Dataset. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 78, 1449-1472.
Precipitation Estimate (Night)
The AIRS Precipitation Estimate is an estimate of daily precipitation measured in millimeters using cloud-related parameters of cloud-top pressure, fractional cloud cover, and cloud-layer relative humidity. The precipitation algorithm is a regression between these parameters and observed precipitation data. It is an estimate from AIRS using a TOVS-like algorithm and is intended for merging into the precipitation product of GPCP, the Global Precipitation Climatology Project.
Data
AIRS Precipitation Estimate is found in the AIRS Level 2 Support Retrieval (AIRS+AMSU) (AIRX2SUP_NRT), variable name AIRG2SSD. The imagery resolution is 2km and sensor resolution is 45km. Temporal resolution is daily. Temporal availability in GIBS is from May 8, 2012–present.
GES DISC - AIRS NRT Products and Images
Resources
For further description of the retrieval method, please refer to Susskind, J., P. Piraino, L. Rokke, L. Iredell, and A. Mehta, 1997: Characteristics of the TOVS Pathfinder Path A Dataset. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 78, 1449-1472.
Rel Hum 500 hPa (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Relative humidity of the air in units of percent at the 500 hPa pressure level, approximately 5500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in air to the total amount of water vapor the air can hold at specified temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the same amount of water vapor results in higher relative humidity in cool air than in warm air. AIRS relative humidity is derived from AIRS temperature and water vapor and is calculated as the fraction of retrieved humidity mixing ratio and temperature-dependent saturation mixing ratios. The 500 hPa pressure level is near the divide between upper and lower halves of atmospheric mass and is often referred to as a steering level. Many midlatitude weather systems between this level and the Earth's surface move in roughly the same direction as winds at the 500 hPa level.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: RelHum; pressure level at element 7
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Rel Hum 500 hPa (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Relative humidity of the air in units of percent at the 500 hPa pressure level, approximately 5500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in air to the total amount of water vapor the air can hold at specified temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the same amount of water vapor results in higher relative humidity in cool air than in warm air. AIRS relative humidity is derived from AIRS temperature and water vapor and is calculated as the fraction of retrieved humidity mixing ratio and temperature-dependent saturation mixing ratios. The 500 hPa pressure level is near the divide between upper and lower halves of atmospheric mass and is often referred to as a steering level. Many midlatitude weather systems between this level and the Earth's surface move in roughly the same direction as winds at the 500 hPa level.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: RelHum; pressure level at element 7
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Rel Hum 700 hPa (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Relative humidity of the air in units of percent at the 700 hPa pressure level, approximately 3000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in air to the total amount of water vapor the air can hold at specified temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the same amount of water vapor results in higher relative humidity in cool air than in warm air. AIRS relative humidity is derived from AIRS temperature and water vapor and is calculated as the fraction of retrieved humidity mixing ratio and temperature-dependent saturation mixing ratios. Roughly one third of the mass of Earth's atmosphere is found between the surface and this level. This level reflects wind patterns that steer individual thunderstorms, so it is often used by meteorologists for predicting thunderstorm motion and intensification.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: RelHum; pressure level at element 5
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Rel Hum 700 hPa (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Relative humidity of the air in units of percent at the 700 hPa pressure level, approximately 3000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in air to the total amount of water vapor the air can hold at specified temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the same amount of water vapor results in higher relative humidity in cool air than in warm air. AIRS relative humidity is derived from AIRS temperature and water vapor and is calculated as the fraction of retrieved humidity mixing ratio and temperature-dependent saturation mixing ratios. Roughly one third of the mass of Earth's atmosphere is found between the surface and this level. This level reflects wind patterns that steer individual thunderstorms, so it is often used by meteorologists for predicting thunderstorm motion and intensification.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: RelHum; pressure level at element 5
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
More information about AIRS can be found at https://airs.jpl.nasa.gov.
Rel Hum 850 hPa (Day, L2)
Description
Relative humidity in units of per cent at the 850 hPa pressure, approximately 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level and often just above the boundary layer. Relative humidity is a measurement of water vapor relative to the temperature of the air and it is dependent upon temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the same amount of water vapor results in higher relative humidity in cool air than in warm air. The higher the relative humidity, the more moist the air, which is vital for the development of clouds and precipitation. AIRS relative humidity is derived from AIRS temperature and water vapor and it's calculated as ratios of retrieved specific humidity mixing ratios and temperature-dependent saturation mixing ratios. AIRS relative humidity is relative to the stable phase of water, taking into account the phase change from liquid to ice in a freezing layer.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: RelHum; pressure level at element 4
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Rel Hum 850 hPa (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Relative humidity in units of per cent at the 850 hPa pressure, approximately 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level and often just above the boundary layer. Relative humidity is a measurement of water vapor relative to the temperature of the air and it is dependent upon temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the same amount of water vapor results in higher relative humidity in cool air than in warm air. The higher the relative humidity, the more moist the air, which is vital for the development of clouds and precipitation. AIRS relative humidity is derived from AIRS temperature and water vapor and it's calculated as ratios of retrieved specific humidity mixing ratios and temperature-dependent saturation mixing ratios. AIRS relative humidity is relative to the stable phase of water, taking into account the phase change from liquid to ice in a freezing layer.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: RelHum; pressure level at element 4
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Surface Rel Hum (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Relative humidity of air in units of percent, located two meters (6.5 feet) above sea level. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in air to the total amount of water vapor the air can hold at specified temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the same amount of water vapor results in higher relative humidity in cool air than in warm air. AIRS relative humidity is derived from AIRS temperature and water vapor and is calculated as the fraction of retrieved humidity mixing ratio and temperature-dependent saturation mixing ratios.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: RelHumSurf
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Surface Rel Hum (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Relative humidity of air in units of percent, located two meters (6.5 feet) above sea level. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in air to the total amount of water vapor the air can hold at specified temperature and pressure. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so the same amount of water vapor results in higher relative humidity in cool air than in warm air. AIRS relative humidity is derived from AIRS temperature and water vapor and is calculated as the fraction of retrieved humidity mixing ratio and temperature-dependent saturation mixing ratios.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: RelHumSurf
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
SO2 BT Diff (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) brightness temperature difference is calculated by subtracting brightness temperature values reported in two AIRS channels, one that is sensitive to SO2 and one that is not. A large difference implies greater SO2 absorption. Note that clouds can block the detection of the SO2 signal by the AIRS instrument. Sulfur dioxide can also be emitted from volcanic eruptions. Volcanic SO2 absorbs the energy in passing infrared wavelengths of light, or radiances, in transit from the surface of the Earth to space. This absorption is controlled by the types and quantities of the components within the plume, together with other factors such as cloud cover, surface temperature and emissivity.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 BT_diff_SO2 data is nominally 13.5 km/pixel, the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2SUP_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2SUP (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field Name: BT_diff_SO2b
Resolution: 13.5 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2SUP_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
SO2 BT Diff (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) brightness temperature difference is calculated by subtracting brightness temperature values reported in two AIRS channels, one that is sensitive to SO2 and one that is not. A large difference implies greater SO2 absorption. Note that clouds can block the detection of the SO2 signal by the AIRS instrument. Sulfur dioxide can also be emitted from volcanic eruptions. Volcanic SO2 absorbs the energy in passing infrared wavelengths of light, or radiances, in transit from the surface of the Earth to space. This absorption is controlled by the types and quantities of the components within the plume, together with other factors such as cloud cover, surface temperature and emissivity.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 BT_diff_SO2 data is nominally 13.5 km/pixel, the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2SUP_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2SUP (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field Name: BT_diff_SO2b
Resolution: 13.5 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2SUP_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
SO2 Index (Day, Prata algorithm)
AIRS Sulfur Dioxide Index using the Prata Algorithm indicates sulfur dioxide column amounts in the atmosphere, measured in Dobson Units (DU). This plot is made from data retrieved during the daytime satellite overpass at 1:30 pm local time (satellite orbit is sun-synchronous).
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It irritates the eyes, nose, and lungs, and in high concentrations it can result in temporary breathing impairment. SO2 is a major precursor to PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 micrometers in size) which is a significant health concern and a main contributor to poor visibility. It is also a precursor to sulfuric acid, which is a major constituent of acid rain. SO2 is one of six major pollutants regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It is produced by the combustion of coal, fuel oil, and gasoline, and it's also produced in the oxidation of naturally occurring sulfur gases.
SO2 is injected into the stratosphere by volcanic eruptions. AIRS SO2 data are used by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers in advisories to airlines for operational decisions.
Data Details
The algorithm used to produce this plot was authored by Fred Prata from the Norwegian Institute for Air Research. In the algorithm, layers with peaks at 5, 7, 10, and 15 km are assumed. The retrieval creates a linear combination of SO2 found in these layers using an optimal estimation technique (Rodgers, 2000). The algorithm uses climatological "global average" atmospheric parameters and makes use of pre-calculated radiances using the Modtran radiative transfer code. The Prata SO2 Index science parameter is a derived from AIRS Level 1B Near Real-Time Infrared geolocated and calibrated radiances (AIRIBRAD_NRT). Imagery resolution is 2 km and sensor resolution is 45 km. Plots are made daily and are archived in NASA GIBS, with availability from May 8, 2012 to the present.
This plot is created in near real-time by NASA LANCE at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center using a “fast” version of Prata's code. A “slow” code is supposed to be more accurate, but differences were not found for high-latitude cases.
Resources
GES DISC - AIRS NRT Products and Images; GES DISC - AIRIBRAD_NRT Version 005
Paper -- Retrieval of volcanic SO2 column abundance from atmospheric infrared sounder data
A. J. Prata and C. Bernardo
Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres , 2007
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2006JD007955/full
Instrument Details
The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit, AMSU, senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations all the way down to Earth's surface, even in the presence of heavy clouds. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations, and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Califorina, under contract to NASA. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
More information about AIRS can be found at airs.jpl.nasa.gov.
SO2 Index (Night, Prata algor.)
AIRS Sulfur Dioxide Index using the Prata Algorithm indicates sulfur dioxide column amounts in the atmosphere, measured in Dobson Units (DU). This plot is made from data retrieved during the nighttime satellite overpass at 1:30 am local time (satellite orbit is sun-synchronous).
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It irritates the eyes, nose, and lungs, and in high concentrations it can result in temporary breathing impairment. SO2 is a major precursor to PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 micrometers in size) which is a significant health concern and a main contributor to poor visibility. It is also a precursor to sulfuric acid, which is a major constituent of acid rain. SO2 is one of six major pollutants regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It is produced by the combustion of coal, fuel oil, and gasoline, and it's also produced in the oxidation of naturally occurring sulfur gases.
SO2 is injected into the stratosphere by volcanic eruptions. AIRS SO2 data are used by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers in advisories to airlines for operational decisions.
Data Details
The algorithm used to produce this plot was authored by Fred Prata from the Norwegian Institute for Air Research. In the algorithm, layers with peaks at 5, 7, 10, and 15 km are assumed. The retrieval creates a linear combination of SO2 found in these layers using an optimal estimation technique (Rodgers, 2000). The algorithm uses climatological "global average" atmospheric parameters and makes use of pre-calculated radiances using the Modtran radiative transfer code. The Prata SO2 Index science parameter is a derived from AIRS Level 1B Near Real-Time Infrared geolocated and calibrated radiances (AIRIBRAD_NRT). Imagery resolution is 2 km and sensor resolution is 45 km. Plots are made daily and are archived in NASA GIBS, with availability from May 8, 2012 to the present.
This plot is created in near real-time by NASA LANCE at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center using a “fast” version of Prata's code. A “slow” code is supposed to be more accurate, but differences were not found for high-latitude cases.
Resources
GES DISC - AIRS NRT Products and Images; GES DISC - AIRIBRAD_NRT Version 005
Paper -- Retrieval of volcanic SO2 column abundance from atmospheric infrared sounder data
A. J. Prata and C. Bernardo
Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres , 2007
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2006JD007955/full
Instrument Details
The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit, AMSU, senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations all the way down to Earth's surface, even in the presence of heavy clouds. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations, and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Califorina, under contract to NASA. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
More information about AIRS can be found at airs.jpl.nasa.gov.
Surface Air Temp (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Temperature of the air in units of kelvin two meters above sea level. Near-surface air temperature is an essential climate variable widely used in studies of meteorology, climate, and environmental health applications.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TSurfAir
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Surface Air Temp (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Temperature of the air in units of kelvin two meters above sea level. Near-surface air temperature is an essential climate variable widely used in studies of meteorology, climate, and environmental health applications.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TSurfAir
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Surface Skin Temp (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Temperature of the solid or liquid surface of Earth in units of kelvin. Skin temperature refers to the temperature of the surface layer of the Earth, in contrast to the air temperature above the ground. Unlike temperatures in the atmosphere at higher altitudes, surface skin temperature can experience large changes between day and night due to solar heating.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TSurfStd
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Surface Skin Temp (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Temperature of the solid or liquid surface of Earth in units of kelvin. Skin temperature refers to the temperature of the surface layer of the Earth, in contrast to the air temperature above the ground. Unlike temperatures in the atmosphere at higher altitudes, surface skin temperature can experience large changes between day and night due to solar heating.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TSurfStd
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Temp 500hPa (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Air temperature in units of kelvin at the 500 hPa pressure level, approximately 5500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level. The 500 hPa pressure level is near the divide between upper and lower halves of atmospheric mass and is often referred to as a steering level. Many midlatitude weather systems between this level and the Earth's surface move in roughly the same direction as winds at the 500 hPa level.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TAirStd; pressure level at element 7
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Temp 500hPa (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Air temperature in units of kelvin at the 500 hPa pressure level, approximately 5500 meters (18,000 feet) above sea level. The 500 hPa pressure level is near the divide between upper and lower halves of atmospheric mass and is often referred to as a steering level. Many midlatitude weather systems between this level and the Earth's surface move in roughly the same direction as winds at the 500 hPa level.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TAirStd; pressure level at element 7
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Temp 700 hPa (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Air temperature in units of kelvin at the 700 hPa pressure level, approximately 3000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. Roughly one third of the mass of Earth's atmosphere is found between Earth's surface and this level. This level reflects wind patterns that steer individual thunderstorms, so it is often used by meteorologists for predicting thunderstorm motion and intensification.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TAirStd; pressure level at element 5
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Temp 700 hPa (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Air temperature in units of kelvin at the 700 hPa pressure level, approximately 3000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. Roughly one third of the mass of Earth's atmosphere is found between Earth's surface and this level. This level reflects wind patterns that steer individual thunderstorms, so it is often used by meteorologists for predicting thunderstorm motion and intensification.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TAirStd; pressure level at element 5
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Temp 850 hPa (Day, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Air temperature in units of kelvin at the 850 hPa pressure, approximately 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level and often just above the boundary layer. This temperature is often used by forecasters because the air is less affected by heating from Earth's surface than air at the surface. At this level the diurnal (daily) cycle in temperature is generally negligible, therefore temperature at 850 hPa can be used to distinguish the frontal zones between warm and cold air masses.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TAirStd; pressure level at element 4
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Temp 850 hPa (Night, L2)
Temporal coverage: 30 August 2002 - Present
Description
Air temperature in units of kelvin at the 850 hPa pressure, approximately 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level and often just above the boundary layer. This temperature is often used by forecasters because the air is less affected by heating from Earth's surface than air at the surface. At this level the diurnal (daily) cycle in temperature is generally negligible, therefore temperature at 850 hPa can be used to distinguish the frontal zones between warm and cold air masses.
Image Resolution
32 km/pixel (AIRS Level 2 data is nominally 45 km/pixel at the equator and the data has been resampled into a 32 km/pixel visualization.)
Data Product
Image initially produced with NRT data. Science quality image replaces NRT when available.
Near Real-Time Product: AIRS2RET_NRT (AIRS-Only Level 2 Near Real-Time Product)
Science Quality Product: AIRS2RET (AIRS-Only Level 2 Standard Product)
Field name: TAirStd; pressure level at element 4
Resolution: 45 km/pixel at nadir
Coverage
Spatial Coverage: Global
Overpasses: Twice daily (day and night)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous polar; Equatorial crossing local time: Daytime 1:30 pm, Nighttime 1:30 am
References
Data Product: AIRS2RET_V006
About AIRS
AIRS, in conjunction with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), senses emitted infrared and microwave radiation from Earth to provide a three-dimensional look at Earth's weather and climate. Working in tandem, the two instruments make simultaneous observations down to Earth's surface. With more than 2,000 channels sensing different regions of the atmosphere, the system creates a global, three-dimensional map of atmospheric temperature and humidity, cloud amounts and heights, greenhouse gas concentrations and many other atmospheric phenomena. Launched into Earth orbit in 2002, the AIRS and AMSU instruments fly onboard NASA's Aqua spacecraft and are managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Columnar Water Vapor (Day) [GCOM-W1 AMSR2]
Carbon Monoxide at 18,000 feet
April 27, 2014
Carbon monoxide in the middle troposphere, made with data from AIRS observed between April 27-29, 2014.
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