CM-SAF

Satellite-based climate data records of the energy and water cycle

CM-SAF is part of the EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility network. It is a joint effort of DWD (lead), SMHI, RMIB, MS, FMI, UKMO, CNRS/LEGOS, and KNMI to generate high-quality climate data records of variables describing the energy and water cycle. CM SAF is currently in its third Continuous Development and Operations Phase (CDOP-3), which lasts from 2017 to 2022.

The main contribution of KNMI is the retrieval of cloud properties from meteorological satellites. Recently, new editions of the CLARA-A2 (global, NOAA+Metop/AVHRR-based, starting in 1982) and CLAAS-2 (Europe/Africa/Atlantic, MSG/SEVIRI-based, starting in 2004) cloud property data records have been generated.

Mean CLAAS-2 all-sky cloud liquid water path (kg/m2) from 2004 until 2015