Updated observations of clouds by MODIS for global model assessment

Abstract. This paper describes a new global dataset of cloud properties observed by MODIS relying on the current (collection 6.1) processing data and produced to facilitate comparison with results from observational proxy used in climate models. The merges observations two instruments into single netCDF file. Statistics (mean, standard deviation, number observations) are accumulated over daily monthly timescales an equal-angle grid for viewing illumination geometry, detection, cloud-top pressure, (optical thickness, effective particle size, water path) partitioned thermodynamic phase assessment as whether underlying come fully or partly cloudy pixels. Similarly joint histograms available (1) optical thickness (2) (3) path size. Differences products, caveats use, guidelines simulator described. Data (https://doi.org/10.5067/MODIS/MCD06COSP_D3_MODIS.062; NASA, 2022b) (https://doi.org/10.5067/MODIS/MCD06COSP_M3_MODIS.062; 2022a) timescales.