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  • FDR4ATMOS - New ESA FDR for Atmospheric composition dataset from ERS-2 GOME and Envisat SCIAMACHY

    In addition to releasing new datasets for Envisat SCIAMACHY, the European Space Agency (ESA) has advanced the earth observation capabilities by developing an experimental product under the ESA FDR4ATMOS project (Fundamental Data Records in the domain of satellite Atmospheric Composition).

  • Fundamental Data Record for Atmospheric Composition [ATMOS__L1B]

    The Fundamental Data Record (FDR) for Atmospheric Composition UVN v.1.0 dataset is a cross-instrument Level-1 product [ATMOS__L1B] generated in 2023 and resulting from the ESA FDR4ATMOS project. The FDR contains selected Earth Observation Level 1b parameters (irradiance/reflectance) from the nadir-looking measurements of the ERS-2 GOME and Envisat SCIAMACHY missions for the period ranging from 1995 to 2012. The data record offers harmonised cross-calibrated spectra with focus on spectral windows in the Ultraviolet-Visible-Near Infrared regions for the retrieval of critical atmospheric constituents like ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) column densities, alongside cloud parameters. The FDR4ATMOS products should be regarded as experimental due to the innovative approach and the current use of a limited-sized test dataset to investigate the impact of harmonization on the Level 2 target species, specifically SO2, O3 and NO2. Presently, this analysis is being carried out within follow-on activities. The FDR4ATMOS V1 is currently being extended to include the MetOp GOME-2 series. Product format For many aspects, the FDR product has improved compared to the existing individual mission datasets: GOME solar irradiances are harmonised using a validated SCIAMACHY solar reference spectrum, solving the problem of the fast-changing etalon present in the original GOME Level 1b data; Reflectances for both GOME and SCIAMACHY are provided in the FDR product. GOME reflectances are harmonised to degradation-corrected SCIAMACHY values, using collocated data from the CEOS PIC sites; SCIAMACHY data are scaled to the lowest integration time within the spectral band using high-frequency PMD measurements from the same wavelength range. This simplifies the use of the SCIAMACHY spectra which were split in a complex cluster structure (with own integration time) in the original Level 1b data; The harmonization process applied mitigates the viewing angle dependency observed in the UV spectral region for GOME data; Uncertainties are provided. Each FDR product provides, within the same file, irradiance/reflectance data for UV-VIS-NIR special regions across all orbits on a single day, including therein information from the individual ERS-2 GOME and Envisat SCIAMACHY measurements. FDR has been generated in two formats: Level 1A and Level 1B targeting expert users and nominal applications respectively. The Level 1A [ATMOS__L1A] data include additional parameters such as harmonisation factors, PMD, and polarisation data extracted from the original mission Level 1 products. The ATMOS__L1A dataset is not part of the nominal dissemination to users. In case of specific requirements, please contact EOHelp. Please refer to the README file for essential guidance before using the data. All the new products are conveniently formatted in NetCDF. Free standard tools, such as Panoply, can be used to read NetCDF data. Panoply is sourced and updated by external entities. For further details, please consult our Terms and Conditions page. Uncertainty characterisation One of the main aspects of the project was the characterization of Level 1 uncertainties for both instruments, based on metrological best practices. The following documents are provided: General guidance on a metrological approach to Fundamental Data Records (FDR) Uncertainty Characterisation document Effect tables NetCDF files containing example uncertainty propagation analysis and spectral error correlation matrices for SCIAMACHY (Atlantic and Mauretania scene for 2003 and 2010) and GOME (Atlantic scene for 2003) reflectance_uncertainty_example_FDR4ATMOS_GOME.nc reflectance_uncertainty_example_FDR4ATMOS_SCIA.nc

  • Release of new Envisat SCIAMACHY reprocessed data

    ESA's Envisat SCIAMACHY mission, which ended operations in 2012, continues to yield valuable scientific insights through ongoing data reprocessing efforts.

  • Envisat SCIAMACHY Level 2 [SCI_____2P]

    This Envisat SCIAMACHY Level 2 Total column densities and stratospheric profiles v7.1 dataset is generated from the full mission reprocessing campaign completed in 2023 under the ESA FDR4ATMOS project. It provides atmospheric columnar distributions and stratospheric profiles for various trace gases based on the Level 1b version 10 products. This SCIAMACHY Level 2 dataset contains total column densities of O3, NO2, OClO, H2O, SO2, BrO, CO, HCHO, CHOCHO and CH4 retrieved from Nadir measurements. Additionally, cloud parameters (fractional coverage, top height, optical thickness) and an aerosol absorption indicator are enclosed. Stratospheric profiles of O3, NO2, and BrO are derived from limb measurements, along with flagging information for different cloud-types. Tropospheric NO2 and BrO columns are retrieved combining limb and nadir measurements. This SCIAMACHY Level 2 dataset version 7.1 replaces the previous version 6.01. Users are strongly encouraged to make use of the new datasets for optimal results. For limb O3 profiles, a separate product derived from the previous Version 6 processor is provided distinctly -> SCIAMACHY Level 2 - Limb Ozone [SCI_LIMBO3]. This is because the V7.1 limb ozone data is unsuitable for long-term change studies due to its divergent behavior from earlier processor versions, particularly from 2009 onwards. This divergence stems from residual deficiencies in the Level 1, resulting in a vertical oscillating pattern in the drift and bias profiles. In contrast, Version 6 limb ozone data does not exhibit these oscillations in bias and drift. Further details on this issue can be found in the latest README file. The new products are conveniently formatted in NetCDF. Free standard tools, such as Panoply, can be used to read NetCDF data. Panoply is sourced and updated by external entities. For further details, please consult our Terms and Conditions page. Please refer to the README file for essential guidance before using the data.

  • Envisat SCIAMACHY Level 2 - Limb Ozone [SCI_LIMBO3]

    This Envisat SCIAMACHY Ozone stratospheric profiles dataset has been extracted from the previous baseline (v6.01) of the SCIAMACHY Level 2 data. The dataset is generated in the framework of the full mission reprocessing campaign completed in 2023 under the ESA FDR4ATMOS project. For optimal results, users are strongly encouraged to make use of these specific ozone limb profiles rather than the ones contained in the SCIAMACHY Level 2 dataset version 7.1. The new products are conveniently formatted in NetCDF. Free standard tools, such as Panoply, can be used to read NetCDF data. Panoply is sourced and updated by external entities. For further details, please consult our Terms and Conditions page. Please refer to the README file (L2 v6.01) for essential guidance before using the data.

  • Envisat SCIAMACHY Level 1b [SCI_____1P]

    This Envisat SCIAMACHY Level 1b Geo-located atmospheric spectra V.10 dataset is generated from the full mission reprocessing campaign completed in 2023 under the ESA FDR4ATMOS project. This data product contains SCIAMACHY geo-located (ir)radiance spectra for Nadir, Limb, and Occultation measurements (Level 1), accompanied by supplementary monitoring and calibration measurements, along with instrumental parameters detailing the operational status and configuration throughout the Envisat satellite lifetime (2002-2012). Additionally, calibrated lunar measurements, including individual readings and averaged disk measurements, have been integrated into the Level 1b product. The Level 1b product represents the lowest level of SCIAMACHY data made available to the users. The measurements undergo correction for instrument degradation applying a scan mirror model and m-factors. However, spectra are partially calibrated and require a further step to apply specific calibrations with the SCIAMACHY Calibration and Extraction Tool [SciaL1c]. For many aspects, the SCIAMACHY Level 1b version 10 product marks a significant improvement with respect to previous mission datasets, supplanting the Level 1b dataset version 8.0X with product type SCI_NL__1P. Users are strongly encouraged to make use of the new datasets for optimal results. The new products are conveniently formatted in NetCDF. Free standard tools, such as Panoply, can be used to read NetCDF data. Panoply is sourced and updated by external entities. For further details, please consult our Terms and Conditions page. Please refer to the README file for essential guidance before using the data.

  • HM-ATMOS scheduled maintenance on 04 June 2024

    A software maintenance activity has been scheduled for HM-ATMOS OADS instance on Tuesday 04 June 2024 from 07:30 to 08:30 UTC.

  • ESA's improved Earth system data records: what is in store for the future?

    Fundamental Data Records (FDRs) are instrumental in advancing our understanding of Earth systems and for addressing societal challenges effectively. These long-term records contain uncertainty-quantified, calibrated and geo-located multi-instrument/multi-platform satellite sensor data spanning several decades to support climate-related applications.

  • Change of access to FTP-S for ERS and Envisat atmospheric and low-rate data

    As of 13 December 2023, access to a series of ERS and Envisat atmospheric and low rate data collections changed from simple FTP to FTP-S.

  • Satellites track the health of the ozone layer

    ESA’s Earth observation activities are contributing to international efforts to monitor and preserve the layer of stratospheric ozone that blankets the planet.

  • Transforming space data into climate action

    ESA’s Earth observation activities are playing a key role in the revitalised global drive to combat climate change.

  • Data preservation takes centre stage at Living Planet Symposium

    Against the backdrop of the famed Rhine River, world-class scientists and Earth observation data-users are gathered this week in the historical city of Bonn, at the Living Planet Symposium (LPS).

  • Space data help to unravel the complexities of Earth’s atmosphere

    As the impacts of the climate crisis intensify, scientists are using ESA’s Earth observation archives to investigate atmospheric processes and their influences on the planet’s changing environment.

  • Interviewing Mirko Albani

    ESA’s Heritage Space Programme Manager describes the goals of the programme, some of the challenges involved in preserving and improving 40 years of historical Earth observation data, and his passion for curating this long-term archive.

  • 10 years of Envisat data help to illuminate ocean processes

    A decade after Envisat beamed its final image to the planet, the pioneering ESA mission is continuing to foster improved understanding of Earth’s systems.

  • Introducing Mirko Albani

    In this short introduction, ESA's Heritage Missions Programme Manager describes what he likes most about ESA's long term archive of satellite mission data and his role in the programme.

  • How Envisat helped to shape global understanding of Earth’s systems

    Twenty years have passed since a ground-breaking European spacecraft designed to deliver unprecedented insight into the planet’s changing environment was lofted into orbit.

  • Envisat - ESA's versatile Earth observation satellite

    Learn more about ESA's Envisat mission - the largest Earth observation satellite ever built - in a new infographic.

  • Envisat SCIAMACHY Total column densities and stratospheric profiles [SCI_OL__2P]

    The data product provides global column distributions and stratospheric profiles of various trace gases. Total column densities of O3, NO2, OClO, H2O, SO2, BrO, CO, HCHO, CHOCHO and CH4 are retrieved from Nadir measurements. Additional cloud parameters (fractional cloud coverage, cloud-top height, cloud optical thickness) and an aerosol absorption indicator are enclosed. Stratospheric profiles of O3, NO2, and BrO are derived from limb measurements and with flagging information for cloud-types. Tropospheric NO2 columns are retrieved combining limb and nadir measurements. The latest Level 2 dataset is Version 6.01.

  • Envisat SCIAMACHY Geo-located atmospheric spectra [SCI_NL__1P]

    This data product covers geo-located, radiometrically and spectrally calibrated limb and nadir radiance spectra for Nadir, Limb, and Occultation measurements with additional monitoring and calibration measurements. The Level 1b product is the lowest level of SCIAMACHY data delivered to the users. The instrument Instantaneous Field of View (IFoV) is approximately 0.045 deg (scan direction) x 1.8 deg (flight direction). This corresponds to a ground pixel size of 25 km x 0.6 km at the sub-satellite point (nadir) and of 103 km x 2.6 km at the Earth's horizon (limb). Nadir measurements have a maximum swath width of 960 km (in scan direction) and a typical footprint of 30 km (along track) x 60 km (across track). Limb measurements have a tangent height range spanning from 0 to 100 km with 3 km vertical resolution. Azimuth scans are performed for constant elevation angle, typically 34 elevation steps per limb scan. Maximum azimuth range is +/- 44 deg relative to S/C velocity (Note that the azimuth range is adjusted to observe the same atmospheric volume as for nadir measurements within five minutes). The radiometric resolution is 16 bits, with a spectral resolution of 0.24 nm to 1.5 nm, depending on the spectral range. The Sun normalized radiometric accuracy is 2 to 3% in unpolarized light, and 3 to 4% in polarized light. The relative radiometric accuracy is less than 1% and the spectral accuracy spans form 0.005 nm to 0.035 nm. Individual measurements from dedicated monitoring states include: Sun over diffuser Subsolar calibration Spectral lamp measurements White light source measurements Elevation mirror monitoring (Sun/Moon) ADC calibration Level 1b products are corrected for degradation applying a scan mirror model and m-factors. The latest Level 1b dataset is version 8.0X.