Terra MODIS Level-3 Global Binned Particulate Inorganic Carbon (PIC) - Near Real-time (NRT

Near real-time (NRT) satellite data provides a snapshot of Particulate Inorganic Carbon (PIC) concentrations in the global ocean. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces this data suite using the Balch & Gordon algorithm on ocean-color reflectance from the Terra MODIS sensor. PIC is used to detect coccolithophore blooms and assess carbonate cycling alongside other oceanographic variables.

Use Cases

• Detect and quantify coccolithophore blooms based on particulate inorganic carbon (calcite) concentration.
• Assess carbonate cycling and optical backscatter in the ocean based on PIC data.
• Provide biogeochemical context for oceanographic studies by analyzing PIC alongside chlor_a, Kd_490, PAR, and SST.

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time, providing a timely snapshot of ocean conditions.
• Algorithm is specifically designed for retrieving particulate inorganic carbon from ocean-color reflectance.
• Data suite is intended for use alongside other key oceanographic variables like chlor_a and SST.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Uncertainties increase in optically complex coastal/inland waters or under high aerosol/glint, as noted in the description.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD) via NASA Earthdata.

Collection Method

Derived from Terra MODIS satellite ocean-color reflectance using the Balch & Gordon algorithm.

Freshness

Near real-time

Geography

Global ocean