2022.0 version data provides global mapped estimates of key ocean optical properties derived from Aqua MODIS satellite observations. The dataset contains geophysical variables like chlorophyll-a concentration, absorption by gelbstoff and detrital material, and particulate backscattering. It is produced by the OB_CLOUD organization using the Garver–Siegel–Maritorena semi-analytical model.
Use Cases
- Model phytoplankton biomass distribution by analyzing the global `chl_gsm` (chlorophyll-a concentration) field.
- Study dissolved organic material dynamics using the `adg_443_gsm` (absorption by gelbstoff and detrital material) variable.
- Analyze scattering properties of marine particles from the `bbp_443_gsm` (particulate backscattering) data.
- Compare physics-based GSM model retrievals against traditional band-ratio chlorophyll algorithms.
- Investiate spatial and temporal patterns in ocean optical properties by combining the three core geophysical variables.
Strengths
- Derived from the Aqua MODIS satellite sensor, a long-term observational platform.
- Provides three core, co-retrieved optical properties (`chl_gsm`, `adg_443_gsm`, `bbp_443_gsm`) from a single model inversion.
- Offers a global mapped (Level-4) product, providing spatially complete coverage.
Limitations
- Specific row count, spatial resolution, and temporal frequency are unknown from the input.
- Data is limited to the specific optical model (GSM/GSM01) and its inherent assumptions.
- The version (2022.0) may indicate the data is not the most recent available.
Provenance
- Source
- nasa_earthdata platform, OB_CLOUD organization.
- Collection Method
- Derived by inverting water-leaving reflectance from the Aqua MODIS satellite using the Garver–Siegel–Maritorena (GSM) semi-analytical model.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Global ocean coverage.