Global Ocean Apparent Visible Wavelength Data from SeaWiFS Satellite

OrbView-2 SeaWiFS Level-4 data provides global measurements of Apparent Visible Wavelength (AVW), a metric for ocean color spectral shape. The dataset, produced by OB_CLOUD, is a processed binned product from the SeaWiFS mission. The last recorded update for this version was in December 2010.

Use Cases

• Classify global water types using the avw feature to distinguish oligotrophic from productive coastal waters.
• Guide chlorophyll-a (chlor_a) algorithm selection by analyzing the relationship between avw and other geophysical variables.
• Detect regional changes in ocean optical properties over time by tracking temporal trends in the avw time-series.
• Provide context for interpreting other ocean color products like Kd_490 and PAR by correlating them with the avw field.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage from the SeaWiFS satellite sensor.
• Includes a defined geophysical variable (avw) with a clear physical interpretation in nanometers.

Limitations

• Data has not been updated since 2010, limiting analysis of recent oceanographic changes.
• Interpretation of the avw metric can be ambiguous in optically complex coastal and inland waters.
• Requires careful review of quality flags for cloud, glint, and aerosol contamination.

Provenance

Source

NASA Earthdata (OB_CLOUD).

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from the SeaWiFS instrument on the OrbView-2 platform, processed to Level-4 binned geophysical product.

Freshness

Last updated 2010-12-11; update frequency is null.

Geography

Global ocean coverage.