IMOS MODIS Ocean Chlorophyll-a Concentration via Carder Model

MODIS sensor data from the Aqua satellite platform provides multi-spectral measurements of reflected sunlight from the ocean surface layer. These measurements are processed using the Carder algorithm to infer the concentration of chlorophyll-a, primarily from phytoplankton. Production of contemporary MODIS data ceased on 2024-12-26, with users directed to VIIRS instruments for data beyond that date.

Use Cases

• Monitoring phytoplankton bloom dynamics based on chlorophyll-a concentration.
• Studying ocean primary productivity patterns based on inferred chlorophyll-a levels.
• Validating ocean color retrieval algorithms based on the Carder method described in the ATBD.
• Assessing water quality and ecosystem health in marine environments based on chlorophyll-a as an indicator.

Strengths

• Data is derived from the MODIS sensor on the Aqua satellite, a well-established remote sensing platform.
• Processing uses a specific, documented algorithm (Carder method, ATBD 19, Version 7).
• Dataset metadata includes a clear end-of-production date (2024-12-26) and guidance for future data sources.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and spatial coverage are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data production has ceased, limiting its use for contemporary analysis beyond 2024.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network via data_gov_au.

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Data production ceased 2024-12-26.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-13 20:07:07.660646; freshness should be verified as data production ceased in 2024.

Geography

Likely covers ocean areas observed by the Aqua satellite MODIS sensor; specific coverage is unknown.