The NIR-SWIR combined atmospheric correction approach for MODIS ocean color data processing.

Area of Science:

• Earth Science
• Remote Sensing
• Oceanography

Background:

• Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua provides high-quality ocean color data for open oceans.
• Existing algorithms show significant errors in derived ocean color products for coastal regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a combined near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) band algorithm for atmospheric correction of MODIS-Aqua ocean color data.
• To improve the accuracy and reliability of ocean color products in both open and coastal waters.

Main Methods:

• A turbid water index is computed to identify productive/turbid waters for SWIR algorithm application.
• For non-turbid waters, the standard NIR atmospheric correction algorithm is used.
• The NIR-SWIR combined algorithm is tested using MODIS-Aqua measurements along the U.S. and China east coast regions.

Main Results:

• The NIR-SWIR combined algorithm demonstrates improved ocean color products in tested coastal regions.
• No obvious data discontinuities were observed between NIR and SWIR method applications.
• The approach successfully derives good quality ocean color products for both clear open oceans and turbid coastal waters.

Conclusions:

• The proposed NIR-SWIR combined algorithm effectively enhances MODIS ocean color data processing.
• This method provides a robust solution for accurate ocean color product derivation across diverse aquatic environments.
• The approach ensures seamless data quality for both open ocean and coastal applications.