CoastWatch WCRN Dataset Summary

		Dataset Summary
West Coast Regional Node

OSU High Resolution Chlorophyll-a concentration from MODIS/Terra

Program: NASA Earth Observing System
Spacecraft: Terra
Sensor: Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)
Data Stream: Recorder LAC
Primary Geophysical Parameter: Chlorophyll-a concentration
Nominal Accuracy: ±30%
Spatial grid: 0.0125 degrees longitude by 0.0125 degrees latitude, geographic
Spatial coverage: 155W to 105W longitude, 22N to 51N latitude
Temporal Coverage: 2006-01-03 - present
FGDC Metadata

Short Description:
The Chlorophyll-a data from the MODIS sensor on-board NASA's Terra spacecraft is best used for feature identification and tracking. The actual value of the Chlorophyll-a is somewhat controversial due to major differences when compared to that of the SeaWiFS sensor on Orbview-2. Both differ substantially from high-quality in-situ measurements. Due in part to uncertainties in the current calibration of the Terra spacecraft, this is an EXPERIMENTAL dataset and is distributed for scientific evaluation.

Technical Summary:
CoastWatch offers Chlorophyll-a concentration from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor on NASA's Terra satellite. Information on the Terra satellite, 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 (4-6 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 to level 1 with NASA software, then processed to level 2 ocean data using methods developed by the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (RSMAS).

Validation is accomplished by comparison with in situ ocean color measurements. In situ measurements are gathered by buoys as part of the Marine Optical Characterization Experiment.

Data is made available at 1.47km resolution for the West Coast region, and data values are accurate to within 30%. The data are mapped to an equal angle grid of 0.0125 degrees latitude by 0.0125 degrees longitude for the West Coast region. The mapping uses simple arithmetic means to produce individual 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.

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