Abstract:
This data set contains a series of land surface parameters simulated from the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model in the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). The data are in 1.0 degree resolution and range from 1979 to the present. The temporal resolution is monthly.
This simulation was forced by combination
... of NOAA/GDAS atmospheric analysis fields, spatially and temporally disaggregated NOAA Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) fields, and observation based downward shortwave and longwave radiation fields derived using the method of the Air Force Weather Agency's AGRicultural METeorological modeling system (AGRMET). The simulation was initialized on 1 January 1979 using soil moisture and other state fields from a GLDAS/VIC model climatology for that day of the year.
WGRIB or other GRIB reader is required to read the files. The data set applies a user-defined parameter table to indicate the contents and parameter number. The following table shows a list of parameters, their Product Definition Section (PDS) IDs and units.
PDS_IDs Full_Name Unit
11 Near surface air temperature K
32 Near surface wind magnitude m/s
51 Near surface specific humidity kg/kg
57 Total Evapotranspiration kg/m^2/s
65 Snow Water Equivalent kg/m^2
71 Total canopy water storage kg/m^2
86 Average layer soil moisture kg/m^2
99 Snowmelt kg/m^2/s
131 Snowfall rate kg/m^2/s
132 Rainfall rate kg/m^2/s
204 Surface incident shortwave radiation W/m^2
205 Surface incident longwave radiation W/m^2
234 Subsurface Runoff kg/m^2/s
235 Surface Runoff kg/m^2/s
There are 3 vertical levels each for the Soil Moisture (PDS 086)in the GRIB file. For more information, please see
ftp://hydro1.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/s4pa/GLDAS_V1/README.GLDAS.pdf 
