IMOS MODIS Ocean Chlorophyll-a Concentration via Carder Model

IMOS provides satellite-derived chlorophyll-a concentration data from the MODIS sensor on the Aqua platform, using the Carder retrieval algorithm. Production of contemporary MODIS data ceased at 2024-12-26, with users directed to VIIRS instruments for newer data. The dataset was last updated on the Australian Ocean Data Network platform in July 2026.

Use Cases

• Monitoring phytoplankton bloom dynamics based on chlorophyll-a concentration.
• Studying ocean primary productivity patterns based on satellite-derived ocean color data.
• Validating biogeochemical models based on remotely sensed chlorophyll-a estimates.
• Assessing long-term trends in marine ecosystem health based on time-series chlorophyll data.

Strengths

• Data is derived from the MODIS sensor on the Aqua satellite, a standard source for ocean color science.
• Uses a specific, documented retrieval algorithm (Carder method) with a cited Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document.
• Provides a clear end date for data production (2024-12-26) and guidance for alternative data sources.

Limitations

• Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data freshness should be verified as production ceased in 2024, though metadata was updated in 2026.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network (AODN) / Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS).

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via MODIS sensor on the Aqua platform, processed with the SeaDAS l2gen software using the Carder algorithm.

Time Range

Up to 2024-12-26.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-10 03:31:27.931878; data production ceased 2024-12-26.

Geography

Likely covers ocean areas observed by the MODIS Aqua satellite, specific coverage unknown from input.