Terra MODIS Level-3 Global Binned Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) - Near Real-time (NRT)

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC produces near real-time (NRT) particulate organic carbon concentration data from ocean-color reflectance. The POC data suite supports biogeochemical and export-flux studies, providing ecological context alongside variables like chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature. It uses the best-available ancillary meteorological and ozone data, though inputs and calibration are noted as less than optimal.

Use Cases

• Quantify surface carbon stocks based on particulate organic carbon concentration.
• Support biogeochemical studies based on POC data alongside chlor_a, bbp, Kd_490, and SST.
• Study marine export flux based on particulate organic carbon measurements.
• Provide ecological context for oceanographic models based on satellite-derived POC.

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time, providing a snapshot within a single orbit.
• The dataset is part of a suite that includes related geophysical variables like chlor_a and SST for context.
• It is derived from Terra MODIS satellite imagery, a well-established source.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• The inputs and calibration used are described as 'less than optimal'.
• Row count, file formats, and column definitions are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD).

Collection Method

Derived from Terra MODIS satellite ocean-color reflectance.

Freshness

Near real-time (NRT).

Geography

Global.