The Mediterranean Ocean Colour Observing System – system development and product validation

[摘要] This paper presents the Mediterranean Ocean Colour Observing System in theframework of the growing demand of near real-time data emerging within theoperational oceanography international context. The main issues related tothe satellite operational oceanography are tied to the following: (1) the near real-timeability to track data flow uncertainty sources; (2) in case of failure, toprovide backup solutions to end-users; and (3) to scientifically assess theproduct quality. We describe the major scientific and technological stepsmade to develop, maintain and improve the operational system and itsproducts. A method for assessing the near real-time product quality isdeveloped and its limitation discussed. Main results are concerned with thedegradation, starting from mid-2010, of the MODIS Aqua channel at 443 nmwith its successive recovery thanks to the new calibration scheme implementedin the recently released SeaDAS version 6.4. The product validation analysishighlights that SeaWiFS chlorophyll product over the Mediterranean Sea isthe best performing in comparison with those of MODIS and MERIS. Despitetheir general good agreement with in situ observations, MODIS- andMERIS-derived chlorophyll present a slight and systematic underestimation ofthe in situ counter part. The most relevant implications induced by theseresults are discussed from an operational point of view.

[学科分类] 海洋学与技术