PACE OCI: Global Near Real-Time Ocean Remote Sensing Reflectance

Near real-time satellite data provides a snapshot of ocean remote sensing reflectance (RRS) within a single orbit. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces this data using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone inputs. It is the foundational observable for retrieving products like chlorophyll-a concentration and supports water-quality and ecosystem applications.

Use Cases

• Retrieving chlorophyll-a concentration (chlor_a) based on remote sensing reflectance (RRS) values.
• Calculating the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd_490) for water clarity based on RRS spectral data.
• Estimating inherent optical properties (IOPs) of water bodies based on the RRS spectral suite.
• Developing and validating new ocean color algorithms based on the foundational RRS observable.
• Monitoring coastal and inland water quality based on per-pixel quality flags for clouds and aerosols.

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time, providing a timely snapshot of ocean conditions.
• The description specifies RRS is the foundational observable for several key derived geophysical products.
• The data suite includes per-file quality flags for land, cloud, sun glint, and high aerosol.

Limitations

• Row count and data volume are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The description notes the inputs and calibration used are 'less than optimal' for the NRT product.

Provenance

Source

OB_CLOUD / NASA Ocean Biology DAAC

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the PACE OCI instrument.

Time Range

Near real-time, single-orbit snapshots.

Freshness

Near real-time

Geography

Global