PACE OCI Level-3 Global Mapped Cloud Optical Properties - Near Real-time (NRT) Data, version 3.2

The Ocean Biology DAAC produces near real-time (NRT) products using the best-available combination of ancillary data from meteorological and ozone data. As such, the inputs and the calibration used are less than optimal. Near real-time products provide a snapshot of the data during a short time period within a single orbit. The CLOUD data suite provides per-pixel microphysics and macrophysics to support cloud/climate applications. Typical uses: screening clouds for atmospheric correction, evaluating cloud–radiation interactions, and joint analyses with ocean-color variables (e.g., chlorophyll, Rrs). Core geophysical variables in this suite include: • cloud_fraction — Cloud fraction (unitless; 0–1) • ice_cloud — Ice cloud fraction (unitless; 0–1) • water_cloud — Water cloud fraction (unitless; 0–1) • cer_16 / cer_21 / cer_22 — Cloud particle effective radius (µm) retrieved from two-channel methods using near-IR bands (1.6, 2.1, or 2.2 µm) paired with a non-absorbing band • cot_16 / cot_21 / cot_22 — Cloud optical thickness (unitless) retrieved from two-channel methods using near-IR bands • cwp_16 / cwp_21 / cwp_22 — Cloud water path (g m⁻²) retrieved from two-channel methods using near-IR bands • cth — Cloud top height (m) • ctp — Cloud top pressure (hPa) • ctt — Cloud top temperature (K)