ENVISAT MERIS Level-3 Global Binned Inherent Optical Properties (IOP) Data, version 2022.0, provides per-pixel coefficients describing seawater light absorption and scattering. The dataset is produced by OB_CLOUD from satellite-derived Remote Sensing Reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties model framework. It was last updated in the system on May 9, 2012.
Use Cases
- Classify water types by analyzing the spectral slope `adg_s` and particulate backscattering slope `bbp_s`.
- Assess water clarity and turbidity trends using the total backscattering coefficient `bb` and particulate backscattering `bbp_443`.
- Model phytoplankton biomass dynamics from the phytoplankton absorption coefficient `aph_443`.
- Quantify uncertainty in IOP retrievals for error propagation analysis using fields like `aph_unc_443` and `bbp_unc_443`.
- Study colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) distribution via the combined CDOM and detritus absorption coefficient `adg_443`.
Strengths
- Provides globally binned Level-3 data for consistent spatial analysis.
- Includes uncertainty estimates for key variables like `aph_unc_443` and `adg_unc_443`.
- Derived using a standardized model framework (GIOP) for cross-sensor comparison.
Limitations
- The dataset's temporal coverage and total row count are unknown.
- Data is from the ENVISAT mission, which ended in 2012, limiting temporal recency.
- Specific file formats and data volume are not provided, complicating integration planning.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA Earthdata (platform), with organization OB_CLOUD.
- Collection Method
- Retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance (Rrs) using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Global ocean coverage.