Near real-time satellite-derived inherent optical properties of seawater from the Suomi-NPP VIIRS instrument. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces these products using the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data, providing a snapshot within a single orbit. The data support water-type classification, water-clarity assessment, and biogeochemical studies.
Use Cases
- Water-type classification based on retrieved inherent optical properties.
- Water-clarity assessment based on absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Biogeochemical studies based on phytoplankton and particulate backscattering coefficients.
- Forward/adjoint radiative-transfer applications based on per-pixel optical properties.
- Cross-sensor comparisons based on inherent optical properties rather than apparent optical properties.
Strengths
- Provides near real-time data, offering a snapshot of conditions within a single orbit.
- Includes specific geophysical variables like total absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Supports multiple applications including water-type classification and biogeochemical studies.
Limitations
- Near real-time products use less-than-optimal ancillary data and calibration.
- Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
- Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
Provenance
- Source
- OB_CLOUD (Ocean Biology DAAC) via nasa_earthdata.
- 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 Suomi-NPP VIIRS satellite.