MODIS Aqua Ocean Color (Chlorophyll-a Concentration) Level-3, OCI Algorithm

The NASA Aqua satellite contains the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro- radiometer) sensor that is used for detecting chlorophyll-a concentrations (ocean color) in the world's oceans, among other applications. The Level 3 standard mapped image (SMI) chlorophyll-a dataset has a monthly temporal resolution and 4.6 km (at the equator) spatial resolution. The SMI dataset is an image representation of binned MODIS data (more detailed information on the SMI format can be found at https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/dataprod/chlor_a.php).

This algorithm returns the near-surface concentration of chlorophyll-a (chlor_a) in mg m-3, calculated using an empirical relationship derived from in situ measurements of chlor_a and remote sensing reflectances (Rrs) in the blue-to-green region of the visible spectrum. The implementation is contingent on the availability three or more sensor bands spanning the 440 - 670 nm spectral regime. The algorithm is applicable to all current ocean color sensors. The chlor_a product is included as part of the standard Level-2 OC product suite and the Level-3 CHL product suite. Please see https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/dataprod/chlor_a.phpfor more information on the Chlorophyll-a derivation.

DOI:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Ocean Ecology Laboratory, Ocean Biology Processing Group; (2014): MODIS-Aqua Ocean Color Data; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Ocean Ecology Laboratory, Ocean Biology Processing Group. http://dx.doi.org/10.5067/AQUA/MODIS_OC.2014.0
Accessed on 07/28/2015.

Variables
Chlorophyll-a Concentration (mg m^-3)
Zonal Global by 4km or 9km
Meridional Global by 4km or 9km
Vertical Surface  
Temporal Monthly: Jul 2002 to Sep 2023 by 1 month
Daily: Jul 4, 2002 to Sep 30, 2023 by 1 day
Static? no
Volume 48GB
Server public:
Source https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/dataprod/chlor_a.php 
http://oceandata.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov
Acquired Oct 23, 2019 (Updated July 2024)
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