# Presentation: 761095

## MODIS Atmosphere Group Summary

- Michael D. King
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

- Collection 5 Production
- Summary presented on day 1
- Aqua production complete
- Reprocessing of aerosol (with deep blue) to commence in January
- Terra production ongoing
- Reprocessing to complete in January
- Data use/validation investigations
- 23 presentations
- New uses of MODIS data
- Need and plans for Collection 6
- Science justification for mission extension

## Data Product Documentation

- New Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents (ATBD) describing collection 5 algorithms and characterization
- Aerosol properties
- Remer et al. ‘operational’ algorithm description
- Does not include deep blue algorithm or bright deserts
- Cloud mask
- Cloud top properties
- Atmospheric profiles
- New Quality Assurance (QA) Plan
- New version posted that contains QA flags (collection 5 updates)
- QA flags for deep blue incorporated
- _modis-atmos.gsfc.nasa.gov_

**Notes:**

For climate studies, global composites are needed and these are referred to as L3 products. 

## NASA HQ Senior Review Questions regarding Terra and Aqua for MODIS

- What new science (processes, trends, etc.) has been discovered so far due to the unique capabilities of MODIS and accompanying data products?
- Global mapping of fine vs coarse aerosol
- Fine scale variations in water vapor (1 km)
- Revealing 3D structure and microphysics of clouds
- IWP (from IR) complementing LWP (from MW)
- Reconciling cloud trends from AVHRR, HIRS, & ISCCP
- more low clouds than we thought (especially in tropics)
- What new applications have been developed due to the provision of MODIS instrument capabilities and accompanying data products?
- Derivation of polar winds from water vapor image MODIS loops
- Forecasts of air quality for EPA (with IDEA)
- Strategic maps of aerosol, fires, clouds for military operations
- MODIS is used extensively for nowcasting by the international direct broadcast users

**Notes:**

For climate studies, global composites are needed and these are referred to as L3 products. 

## NASA HQ Senior Review Questions regarding Terra and Aqua for MODIS

- Do any MODIS results say models are wrong or need to be improved to reflect “truth” indicated in MODIS products?  Do any MODIS results offer ways to improve models?
- Cloud horizontal structure improved stochastic models
- Aerosol data constraining chemistry models
- Polar winds influencing 3-5 day mid-latitude forecasts
- Why are two MODIS instruments (one on Terra and the other on Aqua) necessary or important?
- for science?
- Terra AM is more important for one day nowcasting
- Aqua PM is part of A-train
- Regional AM to PM change studies (e.g., clouds)
- for applications?
- More chances for clear field of view
- 1.6 μm on Terra is better than 2.1 μm on Aqua for snow/ice

**Notes:**

For climate studies, global composites are needed and these are referred to as L3 products. 

## NASA HQ Senior Review Questions regarding Terra and Aqua for MODIS

- What new science needs to be or could be done that requires 3 or more years of Aqua and MODIS operations beyond the design life of 5-6 years (i.e. beyond 2008)?
- Possible volcanic eruption (none so far in MODIS data gathering)
- Same for strong El Niño / Southern Oscillation
- More complete A-train cloud and aerosol studies
- What new science needs to be or could be done that requires 3 or more years of Terra and MODIS operations beyond the design life of 5-6 years (i.e. beyond 2006)?
- IASI/MODIS synergy for improved atmospheric retrievals
- What new scientific objectives can be pursued if the Aqua and Terra missions (including MODIS) are extended 3 years or more (e.g., involving data fusion, data assimilation, etc.)
- CloudSat, CALIPSO, Glory don’t make any sense without MODIS
- CERES needs MODIS

**Notes:**

For climate studies, global composites are needed and these are referred to as L3 products. 

## NASA HQ Senior Review Questions regarding Terra and Aqua for MODIS

- How important is it to extend the Aqua and Terra (including MODIS operations) to sustain climate trend studies?
- Without extension of EOS Terra and Aqua there will be no multi-spectral observations
- Gap while waiting for NPP / NPOESS

**Notes:**

For climate studies, global composites are needed and these are referred to as L3 products.