Near real-time (NRT) satellite data provides a short-period snapshot of Particulate Organic Carbon concentration in the global ocean. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces this product using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data, though with less-than-optimal calibration. POC data supports the quantification of surface carbon stocks and biogeochemical studies.
Use Cases
- Quantify surface ocean carbon stocks based on particulate organic carbon concentration.
- Support biogeochemical and export-flux studies using ocean-color reflectance data.
- Provide ecological context by analyzing POC alongside chlorophyll-a, backscattering, and sea surface temperature.
Strengths
- Provides near real-time (NRT) data for timely analysis.
- Covers global ocean spatial coverage.
- Integrates with other geophysical variables like chlor_a, bbp, Kd_490, and SST mentioned in the description.
Limitations
- Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Data is described as 'less than optimal' due to the NRT processing method.
Provenance
- Source
- Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD).
- Collection Method
- Derived from Aqua MODIS satellite ocean-color reflectance.
- Freshness
- Near real-time (NRT).
- Geography
- Global ocean.