NOAA-21 VIIRS: Global Mapped Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) Near Real-time Data

Near real-time (NRT) satellite data provides a snapshot of Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) concentration in the global ocean. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces this product using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data, though with less-than-optimal calibration. POC is used to quantify surface carbon stocks and support biogeochemical studies.

Use Cases

• Quantify surface ocean carbon stocks based on particulate organic carbon concentration.
• Support biogeochemical and export-flux studies using POC data alongside other ocean-color variables.
• Provide ecological context for marine systems by analyzing POC in relation to chlorophyll-a, backscattering, and sea surface temperature.

Strengths

• Provides near real-time (NRT) data, offering a snapshot from a short time period within a single satellite orbit.
• Derived from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-21 satellite, a known operational sensor.
• Based on the D. Stramski, 2007 algorithm (443/555 version) for calculating particulate organic carbon.

Limitations

• The description states inputs and calibration are 'less than optimal' for these near real-time 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

Derived from ocean-color reflectance measured by the VIIRS instrument on the NOAA-21 satellite.

Freshness

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

Geography

Global ocean.