PACE OCI Level-3: Global Remote-Sensing Reflectance (RRS) Near Real-time Data

Near real-time (NRT) global mapped remote-sensing reflectance data from the PACE OCI instrument, produced by the Ocean Biology DAAC. The data provides a snapshot of water-leaving radiance ratios across specific spectral bands (e.g., Rrs_412, Rrs_443) during short orbital periods. This foundational observable supports the retrieval of ocean biogeochemical properties.

Use Cases

• Retrieving chlorophyll-a concentration (chlor_a) based on remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs) data.
• Estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd_490) for downwelling irradiance based on Rrs spectral information.
• Developing and validating algorithms for inherent optical properties (IOPs) based on Rrs as the core observable.
• Monitoring water quality in coastal and inland waters based on Rrs measurements flagged for optical complexity.

Strengths

• Provides near real-time (NRT) data, offering a rapid snapshot of ocean conditions.
• Includes per-file quality flags for land, cloud, sun glint, and high aerosol, aiding data filtering.
• Serves as the foundational observable for deriving key ocean biogeochemical variables.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The NRT processing uses less-than-optimal ancillary data and calibration inputs.

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the PACE OCI instrument.

Freshness

Near real-time

Geography

Global