act.discovery.download_mplnet_data#

act.discovery.download_mplnet_data(version=None, level=None, product=None, site=None, year=None, month=None, day=None, outdir=None)[source]#

Function to download data from the NASA MPL Network Data https://mplnet.gsfc.nasa.gov/mplnet_web_services.cgi?download

Downloaded Products are contained within NETCDF-4, CF compliant files.

Parameters:

  • version (int) – MPLNet Dataset Version Number (2 or 3). All data from 2000 have been processed to Version 3. Information on the MPLNet Dataset Version can be found here: https://mplnet.gsfc.nasa.gov/versions.htm

  • level (int) – MPLNet Product Levels (1, 15, 2). MPLNet Levels used to differentiate quality assurance screens. Information on the MPLNet Product levels can be found here: https://mplnet.gsfc.nasa.gov/product-info/ Level 1 data should never be used for publication.

  • product (str) –

    MPLNet Product (NRB, CLD, PBL, AER).

    NRB - Lidar signals; volume depolarization ratos, diagnostics CLD - Cloud Heights, thin cloud extinction and optical depths, cloud

    phase

    AER - Aerosol heights; extinction, backscatter, and aerosol

    depolarization ratio profiles; lidar ratio

    PBL - Surface-Attached Mixed Layer Top and estimated mixed layer AOD

    Information on the MPLNet Products can be found here: https://mplnet.gsfc.nasa.gov/product-info/

  • year (str) – Four digit Year for desired product download (YYYY). Note Level 1 and 1.5 products are available for download the day after automated collection. Information on the MPLNet naming convention can be found here: https://mplnet.gsfc.nasa.gov/product-info/mplnet_file_name.htm

  • month (str) – Two digit month for desired product download (MM).

  • day (str) – Two digit desired day for product download (DD). If day not supplied, will download all data for month supplied in a zip file.

  • site (str) – MPLNet four letter site identifier.

  • outdir (str) – The output directory for the data. Set to None to make a folder in the current working directory with the same name as datastream to place the files in.

Returns:

files (list) – Returns list of files retrieved.