NLDAS-1 Model Datasets Information

This page describes the model data for Phase 1 of the North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS-1). The data are in 1/8th-degree grid spacing and range from 01 Oct 1996 to 31 Dec 2007. The temporal resolution is hourly. The file format is WMO GRIB-1.

The LSMs used in NLDAS-1 were: Mosaic, Noah, SAC, and VIC. However, the NLDAS-1 model datasets are no longer available to the public.

NLDAS validation from NLDAS Phase 1 is available from NOAA/NCEP/EMC.

NLDAS Phase 1 model validation information can be found in Robock et al. (2003).

Get the Data

LDAS datasets are available from the NASA GES DISC

The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) provides access to LDAS datasets using multiple methods, including HTTPS, GDS, and the ability to subset spatially, temporally, and/or by variable:

These datasets are also available via Giovanni. Giovanni is an online application developed by the GES DISC that allows researchers to rapidly explore data, so that spatial-temporal variability, anomalous conditions, and patterns of interest can be directly and easily analyzed online before optionally downloading the data. Supported download formats include NetCDF, GeoTIFF, and KMZ.

Latest News

Reprocessed FLDAS Data

Output data for several FLDAS model runs and selected periods have been reprocessed.

Central Asia hydrologic monitoring data set published

McNally, A., et al.: A Central Asia hydrologic monitoring dataset for food and water security applications in Afghanistan, ESSD, 14, 3115–3135, 2022.

Central Asia Extended Outlook: Reservoir water levels are low with a possible drought looming

Central Asia Extended Outlook: Reservoir water levels are low with a possible drought looming, 2021, https://blog.chc.ucsb.edu/?p=1044 .