ENVISAT MERIS Level-3 data provides per-pixel inherent optical properties of global seawater, retrieved from spectral remote sensing reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties model framework. The dataset was produced by OB_CLOUD and last updated in May 2012.
Use Cases
- Classify water types using the total absorption coefficient (a) and total backscattering coefficient (bb).
- Assess phytoplankton biomass dynamics by analyzing the phytoplankton absorption coefficient at 443 nm (aph_443).
- Model light penetration and water clarity from the particulate backscattering coefficient at 443nm (bbp_443) and its spectral slope (bbp_s).
- Study colored dissolved organic matter by examining the combined CDOM and detritus absorption coefficient at 443nm (adg_443) and its spectral slope (adg_s).
- Evaluate retrieval uncertainty for biogeochemical studies using uncertainty columns like aph_unc_443 and bbp_unc_443.
Strengths
- Derived from ENVISAT MERIS satellite sensor data, providing global spatial coverage.
- Includes multiple specific optical coefficients (e.g., aph_443, adg_443, bbp_443) with associated uncertainty estimates.
Limitations
- Data recency is limited, with the last update recorded in 2012.
- Specific row count, file size, and temporal coverage range are unknown.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA Earthdata (OB_CLOUD organization).
- 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.