Ocean Color products from Visible Infared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS)

The Ocean Color CAL/VAL team is evaluating the VIIRS bio-optical products for real-time operations. VIIRS ocean data are being processed using standard government algorithms, and channel calibration and product validation evaluation activities are ongoing. A network of 27 global “Golden Regions” has been established to evaluate and validate bio-optical products. Satellite inter-comparison for data consistency with current ocean color products, and real time vicarious adjustment calculation are performed using in situ water leaving radiance propagated to Top of Atmosphere in coastal and open ocean regions. In addition, routine matchups with VIIRS and MODIS-Aqua are done with in situ data collection from ships and real time coastal AERONET-OC sites. The above activities, product evaluation and tracking of channel stability, are being contributed to the JPSS Team to evaluate the overall mission, including calibration and inter-satellite product consistency. Initial NPP VIIRS ocean bio-optical products are demonstrated with other ocean color satellites.