Inter-Satellite Comparison and Evaluation of Navy SNPP VIIRS and MODIS-Aqua Ocean Color Properties

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

5-23-2014

School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Abstract

Navy operational ocean color products of inherent optical properties and radiances are evaluated for the Suomi-NPP VIIRS and MODIS-Aqua sensors. Statistical comparisons with shipboard measurements were determined in a wide variety of coastal, shelf and offshore locations in the Northern Gulf of Mexico during two cruises in 2013. Product consistency between MODIS-Aqua, nearing its end-of-life expectancy, and Suomi-NPP VIIRS is being evaluated for the Navy to retrieve accurate ocean color properties operationally from VIIRS in a variety of water types. Currently, the existence, accuracy and consistency of multiple ocean color sensors (VIIRS, MODIS-Aqua) provides multiple looks per day for monitoring the temporal and spatial variability of coastal waters. Consistent processing methods and algorithms are used in the Navy's Automated Processing System (APS) for both sensors for this evaluation. The inherent optical properties from both sensors are derived using a coupled ocean-Atmosphere NIR correction extending well into the bays and estuaries where high sediment and CDOM absorption dominate the optical signature. Coastal optical properties are more complex and vary from chlorophyll-dominated waters offshore. The in-water optical properties were derived using vicariously calibrated remote sensing reflectances and the Quasi Analytical Algorithm (QAA) to derive the Inherent Optical Properties (IOP's). The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and the JPSS program have been actively engaged in calibration/validation activities for Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) ocean color products. © 2014 SPIE.

Publication Title

Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

Volume

9111

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