Inherent Optical Properties describe how seawater absorbs and scatters light independent of viewing conditions. The data provides pixel-level coefficients for total absorption, phytoplankton absorption, and particulate backscattering, retrieved from satellite Remote Sensing Reflectance using the GIOP model framework. This version 2022.0 dataset originates from NASA's Suomi-NPP satellite.
Use Cases
- Water-type classification based on absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Water-clarity assessment based on total absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Biogeochemical studies based on phytoplankton and particulate backscattering coefficients.
- Forward/adjoint radiative-transfer applications based on inherent optical properties.
- Cross-sensor comparisons based on the GIOP-derived inherent optical properties.
Strengths
- Provides per-pixel inherent optical properties, which are more robust for cross-sensor comparisons than apparent optical products.
- Includes uncertainty estimates for key variables like aph_unc_443, adg_unc_443, and bbp_unc_443.
- Supports multiple applications including water-type classification, clarity assessment, and biogeochemical studies.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Provenance
- Source
- OB_CLOUD via NASA Earthdata
- Collection Method
- Retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework.
- Geography
- Global