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Published on: July 30, 2020
Changes in the Radiometric sensitivity of SeaWiFS determined from lunar and solar-based measurements
R A Barnes1, R E Eplee, F S Patt
1General Sciences Corporation, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA. rbarnes@calval.gsfc.nasa.gov
Applied Optics
|March 8, 2008
Summary
SeaWiFS radiometric sensitivity remained stable for visible bands (<0.2% change) from 1997-1998. Near-infrared bands showed larger, but slowing, changes, crucial for maintaining ocean data quality.
Area of Science:
- Earth Observation
- Radiometry
- Sensor Calibration
Background:
- Maintaining radiometric sensitivity is vital for the long-term quality of oceanographic data from satellite sensors.
- The Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) is a critical instrument for monitoring ocean color and related phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the changes in radiometric sensitivity of the SeaWiFS instrument.
- To assess the stability and repeatability of SeaWiFS measurements over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monthly lunar measurements to determine radiometric sensitivity changes.
- Employed daily solar measurements with an onboard diffuser for continuous monitoring.
- Analyzed data from November 1997 to November 1998.
Main Results:
- SeaWiFS bands 1-6 (412-670 nm) showed less than 0.2% change in radiometric sensitivity.
- Band 7 (765 nm) changed by approximately 1.5%, and band 8 (865 nm) by approximately 5%.
- The rate of change for bands 7 and 8 began to slow after an initial linear trend.
Conclusions:
- The radiometric sensitivity of SeaWiFS remained highly stable for most visible bands during the study period.
- While near-infrared bands exhibited greater changes, their rates were decelerating, indicating a predictable drift.
- These findings are essential for ensuring the reliability of ocean color data derived from SeaWiFS.
