Regional ocean color data from NASA's PACE OCI satellite processed for near real-time delivery. The dataset provides per-pixel inherent optical properties retrieved from spectral remote sensing reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties model. 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 absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Water-clarity assessment using the diffuse attenuation coefficient of downwelling irradiance.
- Biogeochemical studies leveraging phytoplankton absorption coefficient and particulate backscattering data.
- Cross-sensor comparisons enabled by the inherent optical properties suite.
- Radiative-transfer modeling applications using retrieved absorption and scattering coefficients.
Strengths
- Provides near real-time data, offering a snapshot from a single orbit.
- Includes a suite of geophysical variables for inherent optical properties, such as absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Supports more robust cross-sensor comparisons than purely apparent optical property products.
Limitations
- Near real-time products use less-than-optimal inputs and calibration compared to final science products.
- Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred from the description.
Provenance
- Source
- OB_CLOUD / NASA Ocean Biology DAAC
- Collection Method
- Satellite remote sensing data processed using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties model framework.
- Freshness
- Near real-time
- Geography
- Regional (likely global ocean coverage from satellite)