An Evaluation of the new ISCCP H-Series Cloud Data Products

The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) H-Series dataset is being produced by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). This long-anticipated product is the successor to the ISCCP D-Series product that provided global cloud data from July 1983 through December 2009. The new ISCCP H-Series product is produced at a much higher spatial resolution of ~10 km and plans for this product are to extend the period of record from 1982-present. ISCCP-H Series data continues to rely on a combination of geostationary and polar orbiter data (B1U and AVHRR GAC) along with a variety of ancillary products that have also been enhanced to improve the quality of the dataset. Comparisons between D and H series monthly mean products will be provided with a comprehensive description of the new improvements to the H-Series operational product, its access, and applications for climate assessments will be presented.