There is currently a tremendous volume of scientific data available to researchers. The MODIS instrument aboard NASA's Terra Satellite generates over 500 Gbytes of data each day. The recently launched Aqua Satellite with its suite of instruments will introduce another Terabyte daily into the pool of Earth Science data. Couple this with other ongoing missions such as LANDSAT, TRMM, SeaWiFS, AVHRR, QuikSCAT, and UARS and the data volume become enormous.

Researchers who are not studying global phenomena are faced with the problem of obtaining subsets from this trove of information that apply to their specific regional and/or time period. Fortunately there are many applications that can extract specific subsets of the data by region, time or event. These applications and the problems they solve vary according to the manner in which the data are formatted and to some extent the geographic regions covered. Polar regions have their own special geolocation problems

The Information Technology and Systems Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville has developed a subset portal, subset.org, to help users locate and use the appropriate subsetting tools for a particular job. Subset.org provides a common location for subsetting information that helps users rapidly sift through an inventory of available subsetting tools, including data mining applications, and data format information. It also provides a means for user information interchange and discussions. A personalized portal page allows users to interactively manage a group of subsetting services that fit individual needs.

This paper provides an overview of the subset.org portal, the currently available data and application listings, and future plans for supporting the Earth Science and other scientific communities.