NOAA-21 VIIRS: Global Binned Inherent Optical Properties of Seawater

The Ocean Biology DAAC produces near real-time (NRT) products using the best-available combination of ancillary data from meteorological and ozone data. This dataset provides per-pixel inherent optical properties (IOPs) retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework. It supports water-type classification, water-clarity assessment, biogeochemical studies, and radiative-transfer applications.

Use Cases

• Water-type classification based on inherent optical properties like total absorption and backscattering coefficients.
• Water-clarity assessment using the particulate backscattering coefficient at 445 nm (bbp_445).
• Biogeochemical studies leveraging phytoplankton absorption coefficient (aph_445) and CDOM/detritus absorption coefficient (adg_445).
• Cross-sensor comparisons enabled by the inherent optical properties, which are more robust than apparent optical products.

Strengths

• Provides near real-time (NRT) data, offering a snapshot of ocean conditions within a short time period.
• Includes specific geophysical variables such as total absorption coefficient (a) and total backscattering coefficient (bb).
• Contains 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.
• The inputs and calibration used for the NRT products are described as 'less than optimal'.

Provenance

Source

Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD) via NASA Earthdata.

Collection Method

Satellite data from the NOAA-21 VIIRS sensor, processed using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework.

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT); update frequency is not specified.

Geography

Global