IMOS MODIS: Daily Chlorophyll-a Concentration from Satellite (GSM Model)

Australian Ocean Data Network provides satellite-derived chlorophyll-a concentration data for ocean waters. The data is produced from MODIS sensor observations on the Aqua satellite using the Garver-Siegel-Maritorena (GSM) retrieval algorithm. 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 blooms based on chlorophyll-a concentration estimates.
• Studying ocean primary productivity dynamics based on satellite-derived ocean color data.
• Validating biogeochemical models based on remote sensing observations of chlorophyll-a.
• Assessing long-term trends in marine ecosystems based on time-series satellite data.

Strengths

• Data is derived from the MODIS sensor on the NASA Aqua satellite, a well-established scientific instrument.
• Uses the specific Garver-Siegel-Maritorena (GSM) algorithm for chlorophyll-a retrieval, as referenced in IOCCG Report 5.
• Dataset metadata was last updated on 2026-07-13, indicating recent platform activity.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Production of the underlying MODIS data ceased on 2024-12-26, limiting temporal coverage for contemporary studies.
• Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Covers the operational period of MODIS Aqua up to 2024-12-26.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-13 20:12:34.166863; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Likely covers ocean waters observable by the satellite, with a focus on Australian regions.