CoastWatch WCRN Dataset Summary

		Dataset Summary
West Coast Regional Node

High Resolution Chlorophyll-a concentration from SeaWiFS

Program: NASA/GeoEye SeaWiFS Project
Spacecraft: GeoEye Orbview-2
Sensor: Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS)
Data Stream: High Resolution Picture Transmission
Primary Geophysical Parameter: Chlorophyll-a concentration
Nominal Accuracy: ±30%
Spatial grid: 0.0125 degrees longitude by 0.0125 degrees latitude, geographic
Spatial coverage: West Coast of North America
Temporal Coverage: Last 60 days + (depending on storage space)
FGDC Metadata Data Quality Act Documentation

Short Description:
NOAA CoastWatch distributes chlorphyll-a concentration in high resolution images from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) on the Orbview-2 satellite. Because data is purchased under a NOAA contract with GeoEye, data distribution is restricted to authorized users. Chlorophyll images and data older than five years, however, are publicly accessible. Questions regarding data access should be directed to NOAA CoastWatch.

Technical Summary:
CoastWatch distributes ocean chlorophyll-a concentration images generated from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS), an eight channel ocean color sensor on GeoEye's Orbview-2 satellite. Information on NASA's SeaWiFS project can be found on their OceanColor Web.

Data is downloaded and processed from the normalized water-leaving radiances to chlorophyll-a concentration using the NASA/GSFC SeaWiFS Project OC4v4 algorithm (e.g., O'Reilly et al., 1998; O'Reilly et al., 2000). NASA has also developed the SeaWiFS Data Analysis System (SeaDAS) software for the viewing, analysis, and processing of SeaWiFS and other ocean color data (Fu et al., 1998).

NOAA's validation of SeaWiFS data is accomplished by comparison with in situ chlorophyll-a concentrations gathered by research ships and buoys. NASA's validation efforts are carried out in a similar manner (Hooker and McClain, 2000).

SeaWiFS data is purchased under contract from GeoEye. Data distribution is restricted to US civilian government marine operational applications. Permissible data applications include stock assessment and harmful algal bloom monitoring. Data older than five years and SeaWiFS pictures, however, may be accessed without restriction. Questions regarding SeaWiFS data access should be directed to NOAA CoastWatch.

For authorized users, data is distributed at 1km resolution. Chlorophyll-a concentrations are accurate to within 30%. Data is mapped to an equal angle grid of 0.0125 degrees latitude by 0.0125 degrees longitude. The mapping uses simple arithmetic means to produce composite images of various durations (e.g., 1, 3, 8, 14-day).

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's Goddard Space Flight Center, and GeoEye.

References and suggested citations:
Hooker, S.B., and C.R. McClain. 2000. The Calibration and Validation of SeaWiFS Data. Prog. Oceanogr., 45, 427-465.

Fu, G., Baith, K. S., and McClain, C. R. "SeaDAS: The SeaWiFS Data Analysis System", Proceedings of "The 4th Pacific Ocean Remote Sensing Conference", Qingdao, China, July 28-31, 1998, 73-79.

O'Reilly, J.E., Maritorena, S., Mitchell, B.G., Siegel, D.A., Carder, K.L., Garver, S.A., Kahru, M. and McClain, C. 1998. Ocean color chlorophyll algorithms for SeaWiFS. J. Geophys. Res., 103: 24, 937-24, 953.

O'Reilly, J.E., and co-authors, 2000. Ocean color chlorophyll a algorithms for SeaWiFS, OC2, and OC4: Version 4. In: SeaWiFS Postlaunch Technical Report Series, edited by Hooker, S.B and Firestone, E.R. Volume 11, SeaWiFS Postlaunch Calibration and Validation Analyses, Part 3. NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland. 9-23.

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