Sentinel-3B OLCI Level-3B Global Binned Earth-observation Reduced Resolution (ERR) Diffuse

Satellite-derived oceanographic data from the Sentinel-3B OLCI instrument provides the Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient for Downwelling Irradiance (KD) at a reduced resolution. The Ocean Biology DAAC at NASA produces this near real-time (quicklook) version using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data from a single orbit. This specific dataset is version R2022.0 and was last updated in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Monitor near real-time changes in ocean water clarity based on the diffuse attenuation coefficient (KD).
• Study the relationship between atmospheric conditions and ocean optics using ancillary meteorological and ozone data.
• Analyze spatial patterns of light penetration in global oceans from binned, reduced-resolution satellite observations.
• Validate and calibrate oceanographic models with satellite-derived quicklook data products.

Strengths

• Produced by NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC, an authoritative source for oceanographic satellite data.
• Provides near real-time (quicklook) data, offering a rapid snapshot of conditions.
• Global spatial coverage, binned for reduced resolution analysis.
• Version R2022.0 indicates a specific, documented processing pipeline.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The description notes quicklook products use 'less than optimal' inputs and calibration compared to final products.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Ocean Biology DAAC

Collection Method

Satellite observation from the Sentinel-3B OLCI instrument, processed into a Level-3B binned product.

Time Range

Near real-time (quicklook) data from a short time period within a single orbit.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 20:33:18.828006; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global