Suomi-NPP VIIRS: Global Phytoplankton Carbon Concentration

NASA ocean-color observations provide phytoplankton carbon concentration data. The dataset likely contains global mapped data derived from the Suomi-NPP VIIRS instrument. Typical uses include quantifying biomass and carbon stocks, assessing ecosystem productivity, and driving biogeochemical models.

Use Cases

• Quantifying marine biomass based on phytoplankton carbon concentration.
• Assessing ecosystem productivity and change based on ocean-color observations.
• Driving biogeochemical models using phytoplankton carbon data.
• Providing biological context alongside chlorophyll, PAR, and SST environmental variables.

Strengths

• Derived from NASA ocean-color observations, a trusted source for satellite data.
• Designed for specific applications like quantifying biomass and driving models.
• Includes a defined geophysical variable: phytoplankton carbon concentration.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Algorithm details and mission-specific caveats require consulting external documentation.

Provenance

Source

NASA ocean-color observations via Suomi-NPP VIIRS instrument.

Collection Method

Derived from satellite remote sensing.

Geography

Global