NOAA-20 VIIRS: Global Mapped Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) Near Real-time Data

Near real-time (NRT) satellite-derived maps of Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) concentration in the global ocean surface. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces these products using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data, though the inputs and calibration are noted as less than optimal. POC data supports the quantification of surface carbon stocks and biogeochemical studies.

Use Cases

• Quantify surface ocean carbon stocks based on particulate organic carbon concentration.
• Support biogeochemical and export-flux studies using POC alongside other variables like chlor_a and SST.
• Provide ecological context for marine systems by analyzing POC spatial and temporal patterns.

Strengths

• Provides near real-time (NRT) snapshots of ocean surface conditions, enabling timely analysis.
• Derived from the NOAA-20 VIIRS satellite sensor, a known source for ocean color data.
• Focuses on Particulate Organic Carbon (POC), a key variable for carbon cycle and ecological studies.

Limitations

• The description notes inputs and calibration are 'less than optimal' for these NRT products.
• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD) via NASA's Earthdata platform.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from the NOAA-20 VIIRS instrument, processed into Level-3 global mapped products.

Freshness

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

Geography

Global ocean coverage.