Land Data Assimilation Schemes (LDAS): Parameters

Land Surface Parameters

GLDAS Topographical Illustrations

This page illustrates the topographical datasets used in GLDAS.

GLDAS Elevation

The GLDAS Elevation datasets are available at 1/4 degree and 1 degree. Files are in binary format (big_endian) and can be read using Fortran (1/4 degree f90 code, 1 degree f90 code) or GrADS (1/4 degree GrADS Control File, 1 degree GrADS Control File).

GLDAS Slope

The slope data was derived from the GTOPO30 global 30 second digital elevation model and is shown below. Slope derived from GTOPO30 that is used in GLDAS for each 1/4 grid box. The steepest slope of greater than 0.4 is located across central Asia in the Himalayan range, in Europe in the Alps, and across parts of the west coast of Canada and the US. The lowest slops are across parts of Australia, Africa, and South America ranging near 0.01-0.02.

Slope derived from GTOPO30 that is used in GLDAS for each 1/4 grid box. The steepest slope of greater than 0.4 is located across central Asia in the Himalayan range, in Europe in the Alps, and across parts of the west coast of Canada and the US. The lowest slops are across parts of Australia, Africa, and South America ranging near 0.01-0.02.

Slope data used in GLDAS

LDAS Web Page
Developed and Maintained at NASA/GSFC

Brian Cosgrove: Brian.Cosgrove-at-gsfc.nasa.gov
Matthew Rodell: Matthew.Rodell-at-nasa.gov