Global Ocean Photosynthetically Available Radiation from MODIS Satellite

Global satellite data provides estimates of downwelling solar radiation in the 400–700 nm range available for photosynthesis at the ocean surface. The dataset includes daily photosynthetically available radiation (par) and instantaneous photosynthetically available radiation (ipar) variables. It is produced by OB_CLOUD using NASA MODIS near real-time observations.

Use Cases

• Estimate daily marine primary production by integrating the daily 'par' variable over time and space.
• Analyze phytoplankton bloom dynamics by correlating the 'ipar' (instantaneous PAR) variable with chlorophyll-a concentration data.
• Calibrate and validate ocean ecosystem models by using the 'par' data field as a key input for light-dependent biological processes.
• Interpret in-situ optical measurements by providing satellite-derived context through the 'par' and 'ipar' geophysical variables.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage enables basin-scale and regional studies.
• Includes both daily ('par') and instantaneous ('ipar') radiation variables for different temporal analyses.
• Near real-time (NRT) data provision supports monitoring of current ocean conditions.

Limitations

• Specific row count, temporal range, and spatial resolution are unknown from the provided description.
• Relies on satellite sensor data which can be affected by cloud cover and atmospheric correction errors.
• The 'l2_flags' bitmask variable requires expert interpretation to filter low-quality data.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata (Aqua MODIS satellite), processed by OB_CLOUD.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing measurements processed to Level-3 binned geophysical products.

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT)

Geography

Global ocean coverage.