A Terrestrial Surface Climate Data Record for Global Change Studies

The overall objective of this project is to produce, validate and distribute a global land surface climate data record (CDR) using a combination of mature and tested algorithms and the best available land imaging polar orbiting satellite data from the past to the present (1981-2011), and which will be extendable into the JPSS era. The data record consists of one fundamental climate data record (FCDR), the surface reflectance product. Two Thematic CDRs (TCDRs) are also be derived from the FCDR, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and LAI/fAPAR. These two products are used extensively for climate change research and are listed as Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). In addition, these products are used in a number of applications of long-term societal benefit. The two TCDRs are used to assess the performance of the FCDR through a rigorous validation program and will provide feedback on the requirements for the Surface Reflectance FCDR. We will focus this presentation on the progress made so far, a discussion of the performance of the version 3.0 (released April 2010) and the subsequent improvements and schedule for release of version 4.0. We will also present in detail the mechanisms for applying peer-reviewed algorithms, product generation, distribution, quality control, uncertainties assessment and metadata standards for this Terrestrial Climate Data Record.