Satellite-derived inherent optical properties of seawater from the NOAA-20 VIIRS sensor. The data includes per-pixel absorption and backscattering coefficients retrieved using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework. It is produced by OB_CLOUD and supports water-type classification and biogeochemical studies.
Use Cases
- Water-type classification based on retrieved absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Water-clarity assessment based on total absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Biogeochemical studies leveraging phytoplankton and particulate backscattering coefficients.
- Cross-sensor comparisons using IOPs derived from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance.
Strengths
- Derived from the NOAA-20 VIIRS satellite sensor, a known operational environmental monitoring platform.
- Provides multiple geophysical variables, including total absorption, phytoplankton absorption, and particulate backscattering coefficients.
- Includes uncertainty estimates for key variables like aph_unc_445 and bbp_unc_445.
Limitations
- Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
Provenance
- Source
- OB_CLOUD via NASA Earthdata
- Collection Method
- Satellite remote sensing data processed with the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model.
- Geography
- Regional coverage, likely oceanic areas observed by the NOAA-20 VIIRS sensor.