IMOS MODIS: Daily Ocean Chlorophyll-a Concentration from Satellite

MODIS sensor data from the Aqua satellite provides daily estimates of chlorophyll-a concentration in ocean surface waters using the OCI algorithm. The dataset is produced by the NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group and distributed via the Australian Ocean Data Network. Production of contemporary MODIS data ceased on 2024-12-26, with users directed to VIIRS instruments for newer data.

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 spatially extensive remote sensing observations.
• Assessing long-term trends in marine ecosystem health based on time-series data.

Strengths

• Uses the OCI algorithm recommended by NASA's Ocean Biology Processing Group.
• Data production is linked to a specific cessation date: 2024-12-26.
• Derived from the MODIS sensor on the well-established Aqua satellite platform.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data freshness is limited as production ceased in 2024.

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group, processed via SeaDAS software and distributed by the Australian Ocean Data Network (IMOS).

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing using the MODIS sensor on the Aqua platform, with data processed using the OCI algorithm.

Time Range

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

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-10 02:55:43.918811; data production ceased 2024-12-26.

Geography

Global ocean coverage.