PACE OCI FLH: Global Near Real-time Phytoplankton Fluorescence Data

NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC produces near real-time Normalized Fluorescence Line Height (nflh) data from the PACE OCI instrument. This geophysical variable quantifies red chlorophyll-a fluorescence emitted by phytoplankton, serving as a proxy for active blooms and productivity. The data is processed using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data for a snapshot within a single orbit, though inputs and calibration are noted as less than optimal.

Use Cases

• Detect and track harmful algal blooms (HABs) based on elevated fluorescence line height values.
• Identify productive ocean waters based on phytoplankton fluorescence signals.
• Assess phytoplankton physiological state based on variations in chlorophyll-a fluorescence.
• Study optical complexity in coastal and inland waters based on described uncertainty patterns.

Strengths

• Provides a near real-time (NRT) snapshot of ocean conditions within a single orbit.
• Focuses on a specific geophysical variable (nflh) used for HAB detection and productivity studies.
• Processed by NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC using ancillary meteorological and ozone data.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• The near real-time processing uses less-than-optimal inputs and calibration compared to final science products.
• Uncertainties increase in optically complex coastal and inland waters, as noted in the description.

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the PACE OCI instrument.

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT)

Geography

Global