Data Products  › Product & Algorithm
In order to utilize AMSR and AMSR-E data, product format and algorithm overviews, how to access products, and useful tools for display and analysis them are introduced.

Product & Algorithm

AMSR-E Slow Rotation Data

AMSR-E Slow Rotation Data was obtained with slow rotation (2 rotations per minute) from December 4, 2012 to December 4, 2015 while normal rotation (40 rotations per minute) until October 4, 2011.
This data is useful for users who cross-calibrate AMSR-E with other radiometers and who try to research using new feature with slow rotation, i.e., finer spatial sampling and so on. These data are not JAXA's standard products. AMSR2 Standard Product is available for general user.

Update History
  • Jan. 19, 2016 Data from November, 2015 to December, 2015 are released.
  • Dec. 4, 2015 JAXA has completed operation of the AMSR-E.
  • Nov. 13, 2015 Data on October, 2015 are released.
  • Oct. 7, 2015 Data on September, 2015 are released.
  • Sep. 11, 2015 Data on August, 2015 are released.
  • Aug. 19, 2015 Data on July, 2015 are released.
  • Please note that the Brightness Temperature of 89GHz B-horn V-pol is not correct because the HTS saturation has been unavoidable since July 15th, 2015.
  • Jul. 8, 2015 Data on June, 2015 are released.
  • Jun. 11, 2015 Data on May, 2015 are released.
  • Jun. 3, 2015 Data from March, 2015 to April, 2015 are released.
  • Apr. 1, 2015 Data observed on August 23, 2013 (Scene ID is P1AME130823102MA) was revised because of 0.03 degree attitude error.
  • Apr. 1, 2015 Data from December, 2014 to February, 2015 are released.
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Main Feature
With slow rotation, the observed area is sparse like dash line (see the following figure.) But on its line at very locally, observed points are positioned with finer-samplings with overlapped foot prints.
Observed area with slow rotation
Observed area with slow rotation
Thermal condition with slow rotation is different from that with normal rotation speed. HTS Temperature with slow rotation is higher than normal rotation during satellite daytime by 2-3 kelvin (see the following figure). So the radiometric correction method used for 40rpm observation may not work well with 2rpm observation for the inexperienced HTS temperature range.
HTS Thermal Equilibrium Condition
HTS Thermal Equilibrium Condition
Geometric and radiometric correction methods are mainly same as normal rotation but different at following points:
  • - AMSR2 Level 3 Daily Brightness Temperature products are used to remove the ground radiation effect on Cold Sky Mirror at 6GHz instead of AMSR-E self observed brightness temperature.
  • - Correction parameters for bias value at scan start caused by satellite body was updated.

How to use
You can download AMSR-E Slow Rotation Data from following site.
Some scenes has quality problem. Check following list before use.
Data format is HDF4. The detail is described on following document.
The data from December 5, 2012 to December 4, 2015 are available.