CoastWatch WCRN Dataset Summary

		Dataset Summary
West Coast Regional Node

MODIS Aqua Chlorophyll Fluorescence Line Height

Program: NASA Earth Observing System
Spacecraft: Aqua
Sensor: Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)
Data Stream: Direct Broadcast
Primary Geophysical Parameter: Chlorophyll Fluorescence Line Height
Nominal Accuracy: unknown
Spatial grid: 0.0125 degrees longitude by 0.0125 degrees latitude, geographic
Spatial coverage: West Coast of North America
Temporal Coverage: January 1, 2006 - ongoing
FGDC Metadata

Short Description:
CoastWatch provides chlorophyll fluorescence line height from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Aqua spacecraft. These data are received and processed by the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences (COAS) at Oregon State University. Chlorophyll fluorescence provides information on the health of phytoplankton in the ocean. When phytoplankton come under stress, they stop photosynthesizing and emit absorbed radiation as fluorescence.This is an EXPERIMENTAL dataset, distributed for scientific evaluation.

Technical Summary:
CoastWatch offers chlorophyll fluorescence line height data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor on NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites. Information on the Aqua and Terra satellites, the MODIS sensor, and NASA's Ocean Color projects can be found on NASA's OceanColor Web.

This data is downloaded via direct broadcast to a receiving station at Oregon State University (2-4 satellite passes per day). Oregon State University's College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences (COAS) handles the receiving and processing of MODIS data. Data are processed with NASA software using methods developed by the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (RSMAS). Raw satellite data are processed to fluorescence line height according to Abbott and Letelier, 1999. Validation studies are currently in progress (Hoge et al., 2003).

Data is made available at 1km resolution for the West Coast region. The data are mapped to an equal angle grid of 0.0125 degrees latitude by 0.0125 degrees longitude for the West Coast of North America. The mapping uses simple arithmetic means to produce single-pass and composite images of various duration (1,3,8, and 14-days).

Disclaimer:
Despite our best efforts, incorrect data may often appear within near real time data sets. NOAA CoastWatch accepts no liability for use of these data products. It is recommended that these products NOT be used for navigation.

Acknowledgement:
If this data is used for presentation or publication, please acknowledge the NOAA CoastWatch Program, NASA, and Oregon State University's College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences.

References:
Abbott, M.R., and R.M. Letelier. 1999. Chlorophyll Fluorescence (MODIS Product Number 20). Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document. College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University.

Hoge, F. E., P. E. Lyon, R. N. Swift, J. K. Yungel, M. R. Abbott, R. M. Letelier, and W. E. Esaias. 2003. Validation of Terra-MODIS Phytoplankton Chlorophyll Fluorescence Line Height. I. Initial Airborne Lidar Results. Appl. Opt,. vol 42, 2767-2771.

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