Regional satellite data from NASA's Terra MODIS sensor provides per-pixel inherent optical properties of seawater. The dataset includes variables like total absorption and backscattering coefficients, phytoplankton absorption, and CDOM/detritus absorption, derived using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework. It is produced by OB_CLOUD.
Use Cases
- Water-type classification based on inherent optical properties like absorption and backscattering coefficients.
- Water-clarity assessment using retrieved particulate backscattering and absorption coefficients.
- Biogeochemical studies leveraging phytoplankton absorption and CDOM/detritus absorption data.
- Cross-sensor comparison for ocean color products using IOPs derived from Remote Sensing Reflectance.
Strengths
- Derived from NASA's Terra MODIS satellite sensor, a well-established source of Earth observation data.
- Provides specific geophysical variables like aph_443 (phytoplankton absorption coefficient) and bbp_443 (particulate backscattering coefficient).
- Uses the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework for retrieval.
Limitations
- Row count and dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA Earthdata (OB_CLOUD)
- Collection Method
- Retrieved from spectral Remote Sensing Reflectance using the Generalized Inherent Optical Properties (GIOP) model framework.
- Geography
- Regional coverage (specific region not defined in input).