Animations of ICESat/GLAS Atmospheric Measurements

Atmosphere over Africa (MPEG movie, 37.2 MB)

This movie was created from GLA07 attenuated, calibrated backscatter data, comprising all nighttime (descending) passes from 04 to 16 October 2003. The colors indicate the scattering intensity, with lowest to highest signal corresponding to blue, green, purple and white. An attempt was made to subdue clouds, which are normally white (the highest signals), by making them transparent so that aerosols (dust and smoke from biomass burning) were more visible. Movie is courtesy of Steve Palm (SSAI), Jim Spinhirne (GSFC/NASA) and the Goddard Data Visualization Studio.

Atmosphere over India (MPEG movie, 37.2 MB)

This movie was created from GLA07 attenuated, calibrated backscatter data, comprising all nighttime (descending) passes from 28 October to 18 November 2003. The colors indicate the scattering intensity, with lowest to highest signal corresponding to blue, green, purple and white. An attempt was made to subdue clouds, which are normally white (the highest signals), by making them transparent so that aerosols (anthropogenic pollution and mineral dust) were more visible. Movie is courtesy of Steve Palm (SSAI), Jim Spinhirne (GSFC/NASA) and the Goddard Data Visualization Studio.