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Satellite Ocean Color Validation Using Merchant ShipsA collaborative measurement program for evaluating satellite-derived ocean color has been developed based on ships of opportunity (merchant, oceanographic) and specific instrumentation, the SIMBAD radiometer. The purpose of the measurement program is to complement, in a cost-effective way, dedicated evaluation experiments at sea, which are expensive, cannot be carried out over the full range of expected oceanic and atmospheric conditions, and generally provide a few match-ups. Ships participate in the program on a volunteer basis or at a very small cost, and measurement procedures do not interfere with other ship activities. The SIMBAD radiometer is a portable, easy-to-operate instrument that measures the basic ocean color variables, namely aerosol optical thickness and water-leaving radiance, in typical spectral bands of ocean-color sensors, i.e., 443, 490, 560, 670, and 870 nm. Measuring these variables at the time of satellite overpass is usually sufficient to verify satellite-derived ocean color and to evaluate atmospheric correction algorithms. Any ordinary crew can learn quickly how to make measurements. Importantly, the ship is not required to stop, making it possible to collect data along regular routes traveled by merchant ships in the world's oceans.
Document ID
20020016077
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Frouin, Robert
(Scripps Institution of Oceanography San Diego, CA United States)
Cutchin, David L.
(Scripps Institution of Oceanography San Diego, CA United States)
Deschamps, Pierre-Yves
(Universite des Sciences et Techniques de Lille Flandres Artois Villeneuve D'Ascq, France)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: SIMBIOS Project
Subject Category
Oceanography
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-97135
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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