MERIS satellite data provides monthly maps of chlorophyll concentration in the North Sea at a 300-meter spatial resolution across 15 spectral bands. The German Aerospace Center (DLR-DFD) and the GKSS Research Centre's Institute for Coastal Research processed this data as part of the MAPP project. This dataset was last updated in February 2010.
Use Cases
- Analyze seasonal phytoplankton blooms by tracking monthly chlorophyll concentration maps over time.
- Model coastal eutrophication by correlating chlorophyll data with other regional water quality parameters.
- Validate ocean color algorithms by comparing MERIS-derived chlorophyll values with in-situ measurements.
- Study spatial patterns of primary productivity across the North Sea's different water masses.
Strengths
- Data has a high spatial resolution of 300 meters per pixel.
- Spectral information is captured across 15 bands in the visible-near infrared region (412-900 nm).
- Product is a result of cooperative processing by DLR-DFD and the GKSS Research Centre.
Limitations
- Data is temporally stale, with the last known update occurring in February 2010.
- The specific row count, file size, and exact temporal coverage are unknown.
- Data availability is contingent on successful satellite overpasses and positive quality checks for sufficient water area.
Provenance
- Source
- Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) on ESA's ENVISAT satellite, processed by DLR-DFD and GKSS Research Centre.
- Collection Method
- Satellite remote sensing data pre-processed to a value-added level for the North Sea region under the MAPP project.
- Time Range
- Monthly coverage; specific start and end dates are unknown.
- Freshness
- Monthly maps; last updated 2010-02-28.
- Geography
- North Sea region.