Sentinel-3A OLCI Level-2 Regional ERR Inherent Optical Properties Data, Version 2022.0

The Inherent Optical Properties suite provides per-pixel inherent optical properties retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties model framework. These products support water-type classification, water-clarity assessment, biogeochemical studies, and forward/adjoint radiative-transfer applications. This activity was informed by the Satellite Needs Working Group, an interagency effort of the U.S. Government.

Use Cases

• Water-type classification based on inherent optical properties like total absorption and backscattering coefficients.
• Water-clarity assessment based on retrieved phytoplankton and particulate backscattering coefficients.
• Biogeochemical studies based on variables like phytoplankton absorption and CDOM/detritus absorption.
• Cross-sensor comparisons based on inherent optical properties, which are more robust than apparent optical products.

Strengths

• Derived from Sentinel-3A OLCI satellite data, a major Earth observation mission.
• Provides multiple geophysical variables including total absorption coefficient, total backscattering coefficient, and component-specific coefficients.
• Includes uncertainty estimates for key variables like aph_unc_443 and bbp_unc_443.
• Products are informed by the U.S. Government's interagency Satellite Needs Working Group.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

nasa_earthdata

Collection Method

Retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties model framework.

Geography

Regional coverage implied by 'Regional' in title; specific regions unknown.