Lake surface water temperature from 1995 to present derived from satellite observations

This dataset provides daily mid-morning measurements for Lake Surface Water Temperature (LSWT) derived from satellite observations. LSWT, together with five other variables (lake ice cover and thickness, water leaving reflectance, water level and extent) is recognised as the Essential Climate Variable (ECV) "Lakes" by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). LSWT is a key parameter in determining lake ecological conditions as it influences physical, chemical and biological processes. Lake water temperatures are also important for understanding the hydrological cycle as they determine air-water heat and moisture exchange. This dataset supports the investigation of large-scale lake-climate interaction on inter-annual time scales, and represents the current state-of-the-art for LSWT record production.
The satellite observations are from the Along Track Scanning Radiometer (ATSR), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), and Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) sensors. To ensure consistency across sensors, the retrieved temperature data have been bias-adjusted using periods of sensor overlap. As the dataset contains only observations, gaps in time and space may be present if data could not be reliably retrieved. The data are provided on a regular spatial grid, and for each LSWT value there is an associated uncertainty estimate and a quality level based on statistical confidence.
A companion dataset, also available through the Copernicus Climate Data Store (CDS), is the Lake Water Levels dataset. Used together they can provide a more complete picture of how lakes respond to and influence climate.
Most of the LSWT data in this dataset have been developed within the United Kingdom (UK) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) GloboLakes project and within the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) for lakes. Future improved versions will use developments within the ESA CCI for lakes.