Sentinel-3A OLCI Level-4 Global Mapped Apparent Visible Wavelength Data

Apparent Visible Wavelength (AVW) data quantifies the spectral center of ocean color from satellite observations. The dataset provides a global mapped product derived from Sentinel-3A OLCI Level-4 Reduced Resolution (ERR) data, version 2022.0. It was informed by the Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG), an interagency effort of the U.S. Government.

Use Cases

• Water-type classification based on the apparent visible wavelength (AVW) metric.
• Algorithm selection or blending for chlorophyll retrievals based on spectral water color.
• Regional change detection in ocean color based on shifts in AVW values.
• Providing context alongside other ocean-color products like chlor_a, Kd_490, IOPs, and PAR.

Strengths

• The dataset provides a specific geophysical variable (avw) reported in nanometers.
• The product is a Level-4 global mapped dataset, suggesting processed and spatially organized data.
• The activity was informed by a formal interagency working group (SNWG) dedicated to Earth observation needs.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Interpretations of the AVW variable can vary in optically complex coastal and inland waters.

Provenance

Source

OB_CLOUD

Collection Method

Derived from Sentinel-3A OLCI Level-4 Reduced Resolution (ERR) satellite observations.

Geography

Global