Terra climate data
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TerraClimate Data: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to TerraClimate Data
TerraClimate is a high-resolution global dataset that provides monthly climate and climatic water balance data for terrestrial surfaces from 1958 to 2015. This dataset is crucial for ecological and hydrological studies that require detailed spatial and temporal climate data.
High-Resolution Climate Data
Spatial and Temporal Resolution
TerraClimate offers a high spatial resolution of approximately 4 km (1/24°) and combines high-resolution climatological normals from the WorldClim dataset with coarser resolution time-varying data from other sources. This combination allows for the creation of a detailed monthly dataset that includes precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature, wind speed, vapor pressure, and solar radiation.
Water Balance Model
In addition to climate data, TerraClimate produces monthly surface water balance datasets. These datasets are generated using a water balance model that incorporates reference evapotranspiration, precipitation, temperature, and interpolated plant extractable soil water capacity. This comprehensive approach provides essential inputs for global-scale ecological and hydrological studies.
Validation and Accuracy
Validation Methods
The TerraClimate dataset has been validated using annual temperature, precipitation, and calculated reference evapotranspiration from station data, as well as annual runoff from streamflow gauges. The validation process showed a noted improvement in overall mean absolute error and increased spatial realism compared to coarser resolution gridded datasets.
Applications of TerraClimate Data
Ecological and Hydrological Studies
The high-resolution and time-varying nature of TerraClimate data make it invaluable for ecological and hydrological studies. Researchers can use this data to analyze climate patterns, water balance, and their impacts on various ecosystems and water resources.
Drought Assessment
TerraClimate data has been used in conjunction with other datasets, such as MODIS products, to assess drought events and their spatiotemporal patterns. For example, in the Free State Province of South Africa, TerraClimate data helped identify years with low vegetation abundance and high temperatures, which are indicative of drought conditions.
Comparison with Other Climate Datasets
CRU vs. TerraClimate
A study comparing the Climate Research Unit (CRU) data with TerraClimate data for modeling soil carbon sequestration in the Rostov Region highlighted key differences between the two datasets. The choice of climate database significantly affected the forecast of carbon sequestration rates, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate dataset for specific applications.
Conclusion
TerraClimate provides a robust and high-resolution dataset that is essential for a wide range of ecological and hydrological studies. Its detailed monthly climate and water balance data, validated for accuracy, offer significant improvements over coarser datasets. Researchers and policymakers can leverage TerraClimate data to better understand and manage climate impacts on ecosystems and water resources.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
TerraClimate, a high-resolution global dataset of monthly climate and climatic water balance from 1958–2015
A daily merged MODIS Aqua–Terra land surface temperature data set for the conterminous United States
Evaluation of terra moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer sensor level 3 daily sea surface temperature using buoy measurements
Contribution of EOS Terra to Earth science
Satellite-based application in drought disaster assessment using terra MOD13Q1 data across free state province, South Africa.
Global statistical analysis of MISR aerosol data: a massive data product from NASA's Terra satellite
Key differences between CRU and Terra Climate meteorological data when modeling soil carbon sequestration (using the example of the Rostov Region)
Terra's View of the Sea
Geostationary Enhanced Temporal Interpolation for CERES Flux Products
CERES Top-of-Atmosphere Earth Radiation Budget Climate Data Record: Accounting for in-Orbit Changes in Instrument Calibration
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