PACE OCI Level-3 Global Binned Apparent Visible Wavelength (AVW) Data, version 3.1, quantifies the spectral center of water-leaving reflectance across the world's oceans. The dataset is produced by OB_CLOUD from NASA's PACE satellite observations. AVW values, reported in nanometers, are lower for clear blue waters and higher for greener, more productive or sediment-laden waters.
Use Cases
- Classify global water types by analyzing the avw geophysical variable to distinguish oligotrophic from productive or sediment-influenced waters.
- Guide chlorophyll-a (chlor_a) algorithm selection by using avw values as a contextual index for different optical water masses.
- Detect regional temporal changes in coastal water optical properties by tracking avw time-series data in optically complex zones.
- Correlate avw with other ocean color products like diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd_490) or photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) for integrated water column studies.
Strengths
- Derived from NASA's PACE satellite, a state-of-the-art ocean color sensor.
- Provides a globally binned (Level-3) product for synoptic analysis.
- Version 3.1 indicates a processed and validated data release.
Limitations
- Interpretation of the avw variable can be ambiguous in optically complex coastal and inland waters.
- Requires careful review of quality flags for cloud, glint, and aerosol contamination, which are noted as critical.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite mission, OCI (Ocean Color Instrument) sensor.
- Collection Method
- Satellite remote sensing, with data processed to Level-3 global binned geophysical products.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Global ocean coverage.