JPL SMAP Level 2B Near Real-time CAP Sea Surface Salinity V5.0 Validated Dataset (2 hour latency)

This broad range of parameters stems from the observatory's version 5.0 (V5) CAP retrieval algorithm, initially developed for the Aquarius/SAC-D mission and subsequently extended to SMAP. Datafrom April 1, 2015 to present, is available with a latency of about 6 hours. The observations are global, provided on a 25km swath grid with an approximate spatial resolution of 60 km.

Each data file covers one 98-minute orbit, with 15 files generated per day. The data are based on the near-real-time SMAP V5 Level-1 Brightness Temperatures (TB) and benefits from an enhanced calibration methodology, which improves the absolute radiometric calibration and minimizes biases between ascending and descending passes. These improvements also enrich the applicability of SMAP Level-1 data for other uses, such as further sea surface salinity and wind assessments.

Due to a malfunction of the SMAP scatterometer on July 7, 2015, collocated wind speed data has been utilized for the necessary surface roughness correction for salinity retrieval. This JPL SMAP-SSS V5.0 dataset holds tremendous potential for scientific research and various applications. Given the SMAP satellite's near-polar orbit and sun-synchronous nature, it achieves global coverage in approximately three days , enabling researchers to monitor and model global oceanic and climatic phenomena with unprecedented detail and timeliness.

These data can inform and enhance understanding of global weather patterns, the Earth’s hydrological cycle, ocean circulation, and climate change.