NOAA-21 VIIRS Level-3 Global Binned Inherent Optical Properties (IOP) Data provides per-pixel coefficients describing seawater light absorption and scattering. The dataset, version 2025.0, is produced by OB_CLOUD using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework on spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance data.
Use Cases
- Classify water types using the total absorption coefficient (a) and total backscattering coefficient (bb).
- Assess phytoplankton biomass dynamics via the phytoplankton absorption coefficient at 445 nm (aph_445).
- Model colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) distribution using the combined CDOM and detritus absorption coefficient (adg_445) and its spectral slope (adg_s).
- Analyze particulate matter backscattering with the particulate backscattering coefficient at 445 nm (bbp_445) and its spectral slope (bbp_s).
- Evaluate retrieval uncertainty for biogeochemical studies using the provided uncertainty fields (e.g., aph_unc_445, adg_unc_445, bbp_unc_445).
Strengths
- Provides multiple derived inherent optical properties per pixel, including absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Includes uncertainty estimates for key variables like aph_unc_445 and bbp_unc_445, supporting error analysis.
- Enables cross-sensor comparisons as IOPs are independent of illumination and viewing geometry.
Limitations
- Specific row count, spatial resolution, and temporal coverage are unknown from the provided description.
- Relies on model inversion (GIOP framework) from Remote Sensing Reflectance, introducing potential retrieval errors.
- Uncertainty in the units and interpretation of the 'rrsdiff' fractional mean Rrs difference variable.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA Earthdata (NOAA-21 VIIRS satellite), processed by OB_CLOUD.
- Collection Method
- Inherent optical properties retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Global ocean coverage.