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SIMBAD: a field radiometer for satellite ocean-color validation
Pierre-Yves Deschamps1, Bertrand Fougnie, Robert Frouin
1Laboratoire d'Optique Atmosphérique, Université des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
Applied Optics
|August 3, 2004
Summary
The SIMBAD radiometer accurately measures ocean color variables like aerosol optical thickness and marine reflectance. This compact instrument is designed for easy at-sea deployment on various vessels.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Accurate ocean color data is crucial for understanding marine ecosystems and climate.
- Existing methods for measuring ocean color can be complex and limited in scope.
- Satellite-derived ocean color requires ground-truthing with reliable in-situ measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce SIMBAD, a novel hand-held radiometer for evaluating satellite-derived ocean color.
- To detail the design and measurement capabilities of the SIMBAD instrument.
- To validate SIMBAD's performance against established experimental data.
Main Methods:
- SIMBAD measures aerosol optical thickness by analyzing direct atmospheric transmittance.
- Marine reflectance is determined by measuring upwelling radiance at specific angles to minimize surface reflections.
- The instrument operates in five spectral bands: 443, 490, 560, 670, and 870 nm.
Main Results:
- The radiometer provides data on aerosol optical thickness and marine reflectance.
- Theoretical relative inaccuracy for marine reflectance is ~6% at 443/490 nm, 8% at 560 nm, and 23% at 670 nm.
- SIMBAD measurements align with other instruments during major oceanographic experiments.
Conclusions:
- SIMBAD is a compact, lightweight, and user-friendly radiometer for ocean color evaluation.
- Its simple protocol enables en route measurements from various ships, enhancing global ocean monitoring.
- The instrument effectively supports the validation of satellite ocean color data.