ADEOS-I OCTS: Global Daily Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR) at Ocean Surface

Satellite-based estimates quantify the daily amount of solar radiation in the 400–700 nm range available for photosynthesis at the ocean surface. The data, expressed in moles of photons per square meter per day, originates from the ADEOS-I OCTS instrument and was last updated in 1997. These estimates are used to model marine primary production and interpret phytoplankton dynamics.

Use Cases

• Estimating marine primary production based on daily photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) values.
• Interpreting phytoplankton bloom dynamics based on satellite-derived light availability.
• Providing context for in-situ optical and biogeochemical measurements based on surface PAR estimates.
• Supporting ecosystem and biogeochemical models with input data on usable light energy.

Strengths

• Data is derived from satellite remote sensing, providing a global spatial perspective.
• Focuses on the specific 400–700 nm light spectrum critical for photosynthesis.
• Quantifies energy in the biologically relevant unit of moles of photons m⁻² d⁻¹.

Limitations

• Last updated 1997-06-30 23:59:59; freshness should be verified for contemporary studies.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

OB_CLOUD via nasa_earthdata platform.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the ADEOS-I OCTS instrument.

Time Range

Coverage likely corresponds to the ADEOS-I mission period (1996-1997).

Freshness

Last updated 1997-06-30 23:59:59.

Geography

Global, focused on ocean surfaces.