Global near real-time satellite data from the Sentinel-3A OLCI instrument, processed by the Ocean Biology DAAC. The dataset provides binned Level-3 inherent optical properties (IOPs) for seawater, including absorption and backscattering coefficients. This version 2022.0 activity was informed by the U.S. Government's Satellite Needs Working Group.
Use Cases
- Water-type classification based on inherent optical properties like absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Water-clarity assessment using the total absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Biogeochemical studies leveraging phytoplankton and particulate backscattering coefficients.
- Forward/adjoint radiative-transfer applications supported by per-pixel IOPs retrieved from spectral remote sensing reflectance.
Strengths
- Provides near real-time (NRT) data, offering a snapshot within a single orbit.
- Includes specific geophysical variables such as total absorption coefficient (a) and total backscattering coefficient (bb).
- Derived using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework.
- Enables more robust cross-sensor comparisons than purely apparent optical property products.
Limitations
- Near real-time products use less-than-optimal ancillary data and calibration inputs.
- Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
Provenance
- Source
- Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD) via nasa_earthdata platform, using Sentinel-3A OLCI instrument.
- Collection Method
- Satellite remote sensing data processed to Level-3 binned products using the GIOP model framework.
- Freshness
- Near real-time (NRT); version 2022.0.
- Geography
- Global