Arctic circumpolar mosaic at 250 m spatial resolution for IPY by fusion of MODIS/TERRA land bands B1–B7

The first spatially enhanced Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) clear-sky mosaic for the Arctic circumpolar zone (9000 km×9000 km) is presented, as a contribution to the Canadian component of the International Polar Year (IPY) Programme. The imagery was obtained by fusion of MODIS bands B1-B2 observed at 250 m spatial resolution with bands B3-B7 observed at 500 m spatial resolution to satisfy the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) requirement for a spatial resolution of 250 m for satellite-based products for climate. The fusion method used adaptive regression and normalization to preserve the image radiometric properties. A new cloud and cloud shadow detection method and a clear-sky compositing scheme were used for the 250 m multispectral data. By the end of the IPY in 2009, a decade-long (2000-2009) time series of these data documenting the state and variability of the Arctic region at fine spatial (250 m) and temporal (10-day) resolution will be produced if MODIS continues to operate until the end of this period. The product is generated in the Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area (LAEA) projection centred over the North Pole. The major intended application of the new data is mapping the surface albedo at 250 m spatial resolution. This product in turn can be used as an input for generating several other Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) as defined by the GCOS.