PACE OCI Level-3: Global Mapped Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) Near Real-time Data

Near real-time satellite-derived maps of Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) concentration in the global ocean. The data is produced by the Ocean Biology DAAC using inputs from meteorological and ozone data for a snapshot within a single orbit. POC is used to quantify surface carbon stocks and support biogeochemical studies.

Use Cases

• Quantifying surface ocean carbon stocks based on POC concentration.
• Supporting biogeochemical and export-flux studies using POC alongside other variables like chlor_a and SST.
• Providing ecological context for marine research by analyzing POC spatial and temporal patterns.

Strengths

• Provides near real-time snapshots of ocean biogeochemical data.
• Derived from satellite ocean-color reflectance using a published algorithm (Stramski et al. 2022).
• Covers a global spatial scale.

Limitations

• Inputs and calibration are described as 'less than optimal' compared to standard products.
• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

OB_CLOUD / NASA Ocean Biology DAAC

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing (PACE OCI instrument), processed using ancillary meteorological and ozone data.

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT).

Geography

Global ocean