Aqua MODIS Level-3 Global Binned Remote-Sensing Reflectance (RRS) - Near Real-time (NRT) D

NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC produces near real-time (NRT) Remote Sensing Reflectance (RRS) data from the Aqua MODIS satellite. The dataset provides a foundational observable for retrieving ocean color products like chlorophyll-a concentration and supports water-quality and ecosystem applications. Users must review per-file quality flags, especially for optically complex coastal and inland waters.

Use Cases

• Retrieving chlorophyll-a concentration (chlor_a) based on remote sensing reflectance values.
• Calculating diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd_490) for water clarity analysis based on RRS data.
• Developing and validating ocean color algorithms based on the foundational RRS observable.
• Monitoring coastal and inland water quality based on reflectance data across multiple spectral bands.

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time, providing a snapshot from a single orbit.
• The RRS variable is described as the foundational observable for retrieving multiple derived oceanographic products.
• The dataset includes quality flags for land, cloud, sun glint, and high aerosol to aid data filtering.

Limitations

• The description notes the inputs and calibration used are 'less than optimal' for NRT products.
• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Data quality requires careful review of mission documentation, particularly for complex coastal waters.

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the Aqua MODIS instrument.

Freshness

Near real-time

Geography

Global