Latest Data being reprocessed

Earlier this year, a compiler was upgraded on our supercomputing platform. This upgrade has apparently introduced a problem into the post processing program that compresses and prepares data files for transfer to the DISC where the data are publicly accessible. So that: all MERRA data after data date June 1, 2010 will be replaced and is currently no longer accessible at the DISC. This includes Monthly means from May 2010 on, but not the May 2010 data.

For those that may have downloaded data for the period June 1 - August 31, 2010, consider very carefully whether to continue using the data. So far, the only variables we have confirmed are corrupted are the roughness lengths for momentum and heat. We have no reason to think that other variables are not affected, hence the recall. The GMAO does not recommend the use of this data if you downloaded it before this recall.

The MERRA system and archive data are not affected by this issue. The system continues to run in near real time. Once the post processing code is fixed, the archive data will be reprocessed and posted to the DISC.

Late Oct 29 Update: The code has been fixed and tested. Corrected files are being reprocessed and sent to the DISC.

MERRA Climate Atlas

The MERRA Climate Atlas http://gmao.gsfc.nasa.gov/ref/merra/atlas/ has been opened and linked from the homepage. Numerous figures compare MERRA with previous and current reanalyses as well as global observation data when available. As is mentioned in the Introduction, new figures and comparisons are still planned. Comments and suggestions on the Atlas content are welcome.

MERRA Status and some images

Most of the MERRA analysis and results that have come along are intended for publication but not yet submitted. So, we are holding off posting them here until peer reviews are in. Quite a few are going to a special collection at the Journal of Climate (Deadline Oct 30). In addition, between the upcoming IESA workshop in Baltimore (Nov 1-3), AGU Fall Meeting and AMS Annual Meeting, there are a lot of interesting abstract and work to write on. So, expect more posts on the science being done with MERRA in the coming months.

The system continues at about 2 months behind present time available for download.

Here are some nice trajectory images and animations produced at the Scientific Visualization Studio, and written up for the Earth Observatory Image of the day.