NOAA-21 VIIRS satellite data provides global mapped inherent optical properties (IOPs) of seawater, quantifying light absorption and scattering by water constituents. The dataset is produced by OB_CLOUD using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework applied to spectral remote sensing reflectance. This version is identified as 2025.0.
Use Cases
- Classify water types by analyzing the spectral slopes (adg_s, bbp_s) and ratios of absorption coefficients (aph_445, adg_445).
- Assess phytoplankton biomass dynamics by modeling chlorophyll concentration from the phytoplankton absorption coefficient at 445 nm (aph_445).
- Quantify water clarity and turbidity using the total backscattering coefficient (bb) and particulate backscattering coefficient at 445 nm (bbp_445).
- Estimate colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) concentration from the combined CDOM and detritus absorption coefficient at 445 nm (adg_445) and its spectral slope (adg_s).
- Perform uncertainty-aware analysis of IOP retrievals using the provided uncertainty columns (e.g., aph_unc_445, adg_unc_445, bbp_unc_445).
Strengths
- Provides per-pixel retrieval of multiple inherent optical properties, enabling pixel-level analysis.
- Includes uncertainty estimates for key variables (aph_unc_445, adg_unc_445, bbp_unc_445), supporting error propagation.
Limitations
- Specific row count, spatial resolution, and temporal coverage are not provided in the input.
- The dataset's recency and update frequency are unknown.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA Earthdata (NOAA-21 VIIRS satellite sensor).
- Collection Method
- IOPs are retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance (Rrs) using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Global ocean coverage.