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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

NOAA Climate Data Record (CDR) of Monthly Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), Version 2.7

Outgoing Longwave Radiation - Monthly

browse graphicImage of Monthly Mean OLR.
This Climate Data Record (CDR) of monthly mean Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) flux at the top of the atmosphere in all sky conditions is on a 2.5 degree x 2.5 degree grid with global coverage from January 1979 to the present and continuing monthly. It is derived based on the multispectral High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) OLR algorithm and other methodologies. This dataset was created from HIRS OLR retrievals from TIROS-N to NOAA-19, and MetOp-A/B satellites with inter-satellite calibration adjustments and employed the empirical diurnal model for monthly mean derivation. This version 2.7 is an upgrade from the previous version 2.2-1. The main change is in the OLR regression models and the inter-satellite calibration. The version 2.7 OLR regression models improved the retrieval consistency between variant versions of HIRS instruments, HIRS-2, 2i, 3 and 4, and in turn, the accuracy of inter-satellite calibration is significantly improved, thus eliminating the spurious trends presented in the version 2.2-1 data. The data file format is netCDF-4 with CF metadata, and it is accompanied by algorithm documentation, data flow diagram and source code for the NOAA CDR Program.
  • Cite dataset when used as a source: Hai-Tien Lee and NOAA CDR Program (2018): NOAA Climate Data Record (CDR) of Monthly Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), Version 2.7. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.7289/V5W37TKD [access date].
gov.noaa.ncdc:C01561
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Distribution Formats
  • NetCDF (Version: 4)
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA Climate Data Record Program Office
DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
+1 (828) 271-4800
monthly_olr_contacts@noaa.gov
Time Period 1979-01-01 to Present
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -180.0
East: 180.0
South: -90.0
North: 90.0
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Processing Documents
  • CDR Source Code
    • CDR Source Code (download)
      This source code is for reference only. The source code is provided to maintain transparency of the algorithm and processes used in creating the Climate Data Record (CDR). The source code is not intended to be portable to any computer system(s) beyond that of the original CDR producer's environment.
  • CDR Data Flow Diagram
  • Climate Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document
Associated Resources
  • NOAA Climate Data Record (CDR) of Monthly Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), Version 2.2-1
  • NOAA Climate Data Record (CDR) of Daily Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), Version 1.2
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2018-07-17
Edition Version 2.7
Data Presentation Form Digital image
Dataset Progress Status Ongoing - data is continually being updated
Data Update Frequency Monthly
Purpose This dataset provides a high quality Climate Data Record (CDR) of Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR). The amount of terrestrial radiation that is released into space and, by extension, the amount of cloud cover and water vapor that intercepts that radiation in the atmosphere defines the Monthly OLR CDR. Uses include conducting studies/operation in global change monitoring, earth radiation budget, precipitation, tropical dynamics and monsoon diagnostics/forecast and tropical expansion.
Use Limitations
  • For a complete description of use limiataions for this CDR, see the Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite dataset when used as a source: Hai-Tien Lee and NOAA CDR Program (2018): NOAA Climate Data Record (CDR) of Monthly Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), Version 2.7. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.7289/V5W37TKD [access date].
Cited Authors
  • Lee, Hai-Tien
    UMD/ESSIC > Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland
  • NOAA CDR Program
Principal Investigators
  • Lee, Hai-Tien
    UMD/ESSIC > Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland
Collaborators
  • NOAA CDR Program
Publishers
  • NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Radiation > Outgoing Longwave Radiation
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • TIROS-N > Television Infrared Observation Satellite - N
  • NOAA-6 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 6
  • NOAA-7 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 7
  • NOAA-8 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 8
  • NOAA-9 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 9
  • NOAA-10 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 10
  • NOAA-11 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 11
  • NOAA-12 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 12
  • NOAA-14 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 14
  • NOAA-15 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 15
  • NOAA-16 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 16
  • NOAA-17 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 17
  • NOAA-18 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 18
  • NOAA-19 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 19
  • MetOp-A > Meteorological Operational Polar Satellite - A
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • HIRS > High Resolution Infra-red Sounder
  • HIRS-2 > High Resolution Infra-red Sounder/2
  • HIRS-3 > High Resolution Infra-red Sounder/3
  • HIRS-4 > High Resolution Infra-red Sounder/4
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Geographic Region > Global
Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
  • NOAA OneStop Project
Use Constraints
  • Cite dataset when used as a source: Hai-Tien Lee and NOAA CDR Program (2018): NOAA Climate Data Record (CDR) of Monthly Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), Version 2.7. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. https://doi.org/10.7289/V5W37TKD [access date].
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • > HIRS > High Resolution Infra-red Sounder
  • > HIRS-2 > High Resolution Infra-red Sounder/2
  • > HIRS-3 > High Resolution Infra-red Sounder/3
  • > HIRS-4 > High Resolution Infra-red Sounder/4
Platform
  • TIROS-N > Television Infrared Observation Satellite - N
  • NOAA-6 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 6
  • NOAA-7 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 7
  • NOAA-8 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 8
  • NOAA-9 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 9
  • NOAA-10 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 10
  • NOAA-11 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 11
  • NOAA-12 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 12
  • NOAA-14 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 14
  • NOAA-15 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 15
  • NOAA-16 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 16
  • NOAA-17 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 17
  • NOAA-18 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 18
  • NOAA-19 > National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - 19
  • MetOp-A > Meteorological Operational Polar Satellite - A
  • MetOp-B > Meteorological Operational Polar Satellite - B
Operation
Last Modified: 2023-08-10
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