M2_TMAX_PM25 is a value-added product derived from the MERRA-2 aerosol monthly product M2TMNXAER_5.12.4 (or tavgM_2d_aer_Nx). The surface concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is calculated as the sum of individual aerosol components (organic carbon, black carbon, sulfate, sea salt, and dust) (Buchard et al., 2017) and is recast from the native MERRA-2 model grid. This data collection includes separate files for country-level (and territories) PM2.5 concentrations with and without population weighting applied.
MERRA-2 Mailing List: Sign up to receive information on reprocessing of data, changing of tools and services, as well as data announcements from GMAO. Contact the GES DISC Help Desk (gsfc-dl-help-disc@mail.nasa.gov) to be added to the list.
Questions: If you have a question, please read "MERRA-2 File Specification Document", “MERRA-2 Data Access – Quick Start Guide”, and FAQs linked from the ”Documentation” tab on this page. If that does not answer your question, you may post your question to the NASA Earthdata Forum (forum.earthdata.nasa.gov) or email the GES DISC Help Desk (gsfc-dl-help-disc@mail.nasa.gov).