PACE OCI Level-3: Global Phytoplankton Carbon Concentration, Near Real-time

NASA's PACE satellite provides near real-time phytoplankton carbon concentration derived from ocean-color observations. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces this product using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data for a snapshot within a single orbit. Typical uses include quantifying marine biomass and carbon stocks, assessing ecosystem productivity, and driving biogeochemical models.

Use Cases

• Quantify marine biomass and carbon stocks based on phytoplankton carbon concentration
• Assess ecosystem productivity and change based on satellite-derived carbon data
• Drive biogeochemical models based on phytoplankton carbon as a key biological variable
• Provide biological context alongside chlorophyll, PAR, and SST based on the description of typical companion variables

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time, providing a snapshot of ocean conditions
• Derived from NASA ocean-color observations, a trusted source for satellite remote sensing
• Product documentation includes algorithm details and mission-specific caveats for data interpretation

Limitations

• Near real-time products use less-than-optimal ancillary data and calibration compared to final science products
• Data quality may be reduced in optically complex coastal and inland waters as noted in the description
• Row count, file formats, and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD)

Collection Method

Derived from NASA ocean-color satellite observations (PACE OCI instrument)

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT)

Geography

Global