NASA JPL SST L4 MUR Data Degradation

[nasa_jpl_mytimezero]

Since August 26, 2025, the NASA JPL SST L4 MUR product has appeared significantly degraded—excessively smoothed or blurry across the entire globe. For comparison, the attached screenshot from August 21, 2025 is much sharper, revealing fine high-resolution satellite details, whereas the August 26 image lacks these details entirely.

Are there any known reasons for this degradation?

Bertrand Forestier.

[GIBS & Worldview - mwong4]

We've reached out to the PO.DAAC team to see why there is smoothing for Aug 26 and 27. It does not seem to be a Worldview/GIBS issue.

[nasa_jpl_mytimezero]

Thanks, I confirm that it is not a Worldview/GIBS issue because we have got the same issue after downloading and displaying the raw netcdf file in another viewer.

Please keep us informed.

[PODAAC - edward.m.armstrong]

Hello:

Thanks for pointing out the issue with MUR! We have identified the issue and are working to resolve it as soon as possible.

regards,
Ed Armstrong
JPL PO.DAAC

[PODAAC - edward.m.armstrong]

The last date that has a complete set of input data for the MUR algorithm is Aug 24, 2025. MUR data after that date is progressively degraded.

[PODAAC - edward.m.armstrong]

Hello:
The fix is in place. The next MUR production run is early tomorrow. Hopefully the issue will be resolved.
Thanks for your patience.

[PODAAC - edward.m.armstrong]

Hello:

The last production run of MUR was nearly a success ! There are still some issues with the dates of 8/25 and 8/26 we are investigating. They are much better than before, but the MUR algorithm did not run with all the necessary input data for some reason.

For the last three days 8/27, 8/28 and 8/29 the data look fine visually. All the ocean variability is there (e.g, Equatorial waves in the Eastern Pacific, upwelling in the usual spots, Gulf Stream etc). Even some residual cooling from Hurricane Erin is apparent. 8/23 and 8/24 show the cooling under the ground track much better.

We will keep the community posted on as we continue to investigate. Thanks for your patience.

[nasa_jpl_mytimezero]

Thanks for your reply. What is the cause of the issue?

[PODAAC - edward.m.armstrong]

Hello:

The cause of the issue was a break in the production chain for the input data that took a few days to detect and resolve. And thank you again for bringing it to our attention.

MUR SST is running normally since about 8/27. Unfortunately the dates of 8/25 and 8/26 are still really negatively impacted and of very low spatial resolution (hi resolution satellite observations mostly missing in the input data stream). At some point these dates will need to be reprocessed. But for now the data are as is.

[nasa_jpl_mytimezero]

Thank you for the clarification. Is it possible to be notified of this type of issue? Additionally, is there a dedicated status page for the NASA JPL SST L4 MUR production system?