SIMBIOS program in support of ocean color missions: 1997-2003

Abstract

The NASA Sensor Intercomparison and Merger for Biological and Interdisciplinary Oceanic Studies (SIMBIOS) Program had a worldwide, ongoing ocean color data collection program, as well as an operational data processing and analysis capability. SIMBIOS data collection takes place via the SIMBIOS Science Team. In addition, SIMBIOS had a calibration and product validation component (Project Office). The primary purpose of these calibration and product validation activities were to (1) reduce measurement error by identifying and characterizing true error sources, such as real changes in the satellite sensor or problems in the atmospheric correction algorithm, in order to differentiate these errors from natural variability in the marine light field; and (2) evaluate the various bio-optical and atmospheric correction algorithms being used by different ocean color missions. For each sensor, the SIMBIOS Project reviews the sensor design and processing algorithms being used by the particular ocean color project, compares the algorithms with alternate methods when possible, and provides the results to the appropriate project office.