Terra MODIS Level-3 Global Binned Remote-Sensing Reflectance (RRS) - Near Real-time (NRT)

Global ocean remote-sensing reflectance data produced by NASA's Ocean Biology DAAC using near real-time processing. The dataset provides remote sensing reflectance (RRS) at specific wavelengths, which is a foundational observable for deriving ocean color products. Users should review per-file quality flags, especially for optically complex coastal and inland waters.

Use Cases

• Retrieving chlorophyll-a concentration (chlor_a) based on remote sensing reflectance.
• Estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd_490) for downwelling irradiance based on RRS values.
• Deriving inherent optical properties (IOPs) of water bodies based on spectral reflectance data.
• Developing and validating new ocean color algorithms based on the foundational RRS observable.
• Monitoring water quality and ecosystem health in coastal and inland waters based on reflectance data.

Strengths

• Provides near real-time (NRT) data, offering a snapshot from a single orbit.
• Includes foundational remote sensing reflectance (RRS) data at multiple spectral bands (e.g., Rrs_412, Rrs_443).
• Produced by NASA's Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center (OB.DAAC), a recognized authority.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The inputs and calibration used for NRT products are described as 'less than optimal' compared to standard products.

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB.DAAC), organization listed as OB_CLOUD.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing from the Terra MODIS instrument, processed using near real-time ancillary data.

Freshness

Near real-time

Geography

Global