Sentinel-3B OLCI Level-2 Regional ERR Inherent Optical Properties, Near Real-time Data

Satellite-derived ocean data from the Sentinel-3B OLCI instrument provides per-pixel inherent optical properties for seawater. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces these near real-time products using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data. This activity was informed by the Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG), an interagency effort of the U.S. Government.

Use Cases

• Water-type classification based on inherent optical properties like absorption and backscattering coefficients.
• Water-clarity assessment based on the total absorption and backscattering coefficients.
• Biogeochemical studies based on phytoplankton and particulate backscattering coefficients.
• Cross-sensor comparisons for satellite data based on inherent optical properties.

Strengths

• Provides near real-time data, offering a snapshot from a single orbit.
• Includes uncertainty estimates for key geophysical variables like aph_unc_443 and bbp_unc_443.
• Supports more robust cross-sensor comparisons than purely apparent optical property products.

Limitations

• Near real-time products use less-than-optimal ancillary data and calibration.
• Row count, file formats, and column details are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

OB_CLOUD / Ocean Biology DAAC

Collection Method

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

Freshness

Near real-time

Geography

Regional coverage from the Sentinel-3B OLCI instrument.