NOAA-20 VIIRS: Global Particulate Inorganic Carbon (PIC) Near Real-time Data

Near real-time satellite data for particulate inorganic carbon (calcite) concentration in the global ocean, produced by the Ocean Biology DAAC. The data is generated using the Balch & Gordon algorithm applied to VIIRS ocean-color reflectance. It provides a snapshot of conditions within a single orbit, using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data at the time of processing.

Use Cases

• Detect and quantify coccolithophore blooms based on particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) concentration.
• Assess marine carbonate cycling and optical backscatter based on calcite concentration data.
• Provide biogeochemical context alongside other ocean variables like chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature.

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time, providing a timely snapshot of ocean conditions.
• Algorithm is specifically designed to retrieve calcite concentration, a key variable for studying coccolithophores.
• Data is intended for use alongside other standard ocean-color products like chlor_a and SST.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• The inputs and calibration used for near real-time processing are described as 'less than optimal'.
• Uncertainties increase in optically complex coastal/inland waters or under high aerosol/glint conditions.

Provenance

Source

Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD) via NASA Earthdata.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing using the VIIRS instrument on NOAA-20, processed with the Balch & Gordon algorithm.

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT); specific update frequency is unknown.

Geography

Global ocean coverage.