Global Mapped Particulate Inorganic Carbon from MODIS Satellite

Global satellite-derived data on particulate inorganic carbon (calcite) concentration in ocean surface waters. The Ocean Biology DAAC produces this near real-time product using the Balch & Gordon algorithm applied to MODIS reflectance data. It provides a snapshot of conditions within a single orbit, intended for rapid monitoring of coccolithophore blooms and carbonate cycling.

Use Cases

• Detect and quantify coccolithophore blooms based on particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) concentration.
• Assess ocean carbonate cycling and optical backscatter based on calcite concentration.
• Provide biogeochemical context alongside other ocean variables like chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature.

Strengths

• Data is produced in near real-time (NRT), enabling rapid monitoring of ocean conditions.
• Algorithm is specifically designed to retrieve particulate inorganic carbon from ocean-color reflectance.
• Product is part of a suite providing biogeochemical context alongside other key variables like chlor_a and SST.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• The NRT processing uses less-than-optimal ancillary and calibration data compared to standard science products.
• Uncertainties increase in optically complex coastal/inland waters or under high aerosol/glint conditions.

Provenance

Source

NASA Ocean Biology DAAC (OB_CLOUD)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing via the Terra MODIS instrument, processed using the Balch & Gordon algorithm.

Freshness

Near real-time

Geography

Global ocean