CLAAS: CM SAF CLoud property dAtAset using SEVIRI - Edition 1

The first edition of the SEVIRI cloud property dataset has recently been generated and released by the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring (CM SAF). The CLAAS dataset contains cloud properties at various processing levels from pixel-based data (approx. 4km spatial resolution) to daily and monthly averages (0.05° x 0.05° latitude-longitude grid). In addition, spatially resolved monthly mean diurnal cycles (0.25° x 0.25°) and monthly histograms (0.05° x 0.05°) are available. Input to the retrieval schemes were inter-calibrated effective radiances of Meteosat-8 and 9, allowing the current version of the dataset to homogeneously span 8 years from 2004 to 2011. Along with the data, a comprehensive documentation of the algorithms used, the generation of the dataset as well as validation studies and user guidance are available, with a brief summary given in Stengel et al. (2014). With this dataset, small, regional and large scale cloud processes at temporal scales of hours to years can be studied. Subsequently to the derivation of the cloud properties, surface albedo (pentad and monthly means) and radiation budget products are inferred (daily and monthly means).