Suomi-NPP VIIRS: Global Particulate Inorganic Carbon (PIC) Near Real-Time Data

NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC produces near real-time (quicklook) products for global particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) using Suomi-NPP VIIRS satellite data. The data provides a snapshot from a short time period within a single orbit, processed with the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data. Inputs and calibration are described as less than optimal compared to final science products.

Use Cases

• Monitor near real-time ocean carbon dynamics based on the PIC quicklook product.
• Study short-term variations in marine inorganic carbon based on single-orbit snapshots.
• Assimilate satellite-derived PIC estimates into oceanographic models based on the data's global mapping.

Strengths

• Produced by NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC, an authoritative source for ocean color data.
• Provides near real-time (quicklook) availability for timely analysis.
• Data is globally mapped, offering a wide spatial coverage.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Inputs and calibration are described as 'less than optimal' compared to final products.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from the Suomi-NPP VIIRS instrument, processed by the Ocean Biology DAAC.

Time Range

Near real-time (NRT), providing data from short time periods within single orbits.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 20:23:18.831142; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global