SNPP VIIRS Satellite Data: Daily Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient (Kd490)

Satellite-derived oceanographic data from the VIIRS sensor on the SNPP platform provides daily estimates of the diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490nm wavelength (Kd490). The product is generated by the Australian Ocean Data Network using a semi-empirical model based on water-leaving radiances at 490nm and 555nm, as described by NASA's Ocean Color algorithm. This coefficient indicates how light penetrates and is attenuated within the water column.

Use Cases

• Modeling primary productivity in ocean ecosystems based on light attenuation data.
• Monitoring coastal water quality and turbidity changes over time.
• Calibrating and validating bio-optical models for satellite ocean color data.
• Studying the spatial and temporal patterns of light penetration in different ocean regions.

Strengths

• Data is derived from the VIIRS sensor on the operational SNPP satellite platform, providing a consistent observational source.
• The algorithm for deriving Kd490 is documented by NASA Ocean Color, suggesting a standardized, peer-reviewed methodology.
• Product is hosted and distributed by the Australian Ocean Data Network, a recognized national data aggregator.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and total data volume are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for large-scale ML projects.
• Freshness should be verified; the last update timestamp is 2026-07-10 01:25:47.160861.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, aggregating data from the SNPP satellite's VIIRS sensor.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing measurements processed using a semi-empirical algorithm based on water-leaving radiance ratios.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-10 01:25:47.160861; update frequency is not specified.

Geography

Likely covers ocean areas observed by the SNPP satellite, but specific spatial coverage is not detailed.