Sentinel-3A OLCI Level-3 Global Binned Earth-observation Reduced Resolution (ERR) Remote-S

The Ocean Biology DAAC produces near real-time (NRT) Sentinel-3A OLCI Level-3 global binned remote-sensing reflectance (RRS) data. This data provides a snapshot of water-leaving radiance ratios at specific wavelengths, which are foundational for retrieving ocean color products. The activity was informed by the U.S. Government's Satellite Needs Working Group.

Use Cases

• Retrieving chlorophyll-a concentration (chlor_a) based on remote-sensing reflectance (RRS) data.
• Estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd_490) for water clarity based on RRS values.
• Developing and validating ocean color algorithms based on the foundational RRS observable.
• Monitoring coastal and inland water quality based on RRS-derived geophysical variables.

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time (NRT), providing a snapshot from a single orbit.
• The dataset is the foundational observable for retrieving multiple ocean color products like chlor_a and Kd_490.
• Production is informed by an interagency U.S. Government effort (Satellite Needs Working Group).

Limitations

• The description notes NRT products use less-than-optimal inputs and calibration compared to final products.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and data scale are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD) via NASA Earthdata.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the Sentinel-3A OLCI instrument.

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT); version 2022.0.

Geography

Global.