ALBERT

Description: This synthetic dataset was created to provide a measurement error-free hyperspectral (350-800 nm, 5 nm resolution) dataset as part of research performed by the first NASA PACE (Plankton, Aerosols, Cloud, and Ocean Ecosystem) Science Team (NNH13ZDA001N-PACEST). A synthetic dataset of sea surface and top of atmosphere (TOA) radiances were constructed by a Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Radiative Transfer (COART) model (Du and Lee, 2014) based on the SBDART (Santa Barbara DISORT Atmospheric Radiative Transfer) code (Ricchiazzi et al. 1998), with ocean contribution simulated by Hydrolight (Mobley, 2008). Water-leaving radiance (Lw) was forward modelled with Hydrolight with a solar zenith angle of 30°, cloudless sky, a sea surface state corresponding to a wind speed of 5 m/s, and realistic concentrations of optically active water constituents. The Hydrolight component of the model was constrained using inherent optical properties (IOPs) whose dynamic ranges and spectral qualities were based on real, in situ data acquired from the NASA SeaBASS dataset (https://seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov/) and that represent realistic in situ conditions. Certain characteristics of the IOPs were semi-randomly modelled based on principles outlined in IOCCG Report No.5 (2006) and summarised in the accompanying pdf document provided along with this dataset. Atmospheric conditions were simulated by coupling the water-leaving radiances to an atmosphere with and without absorbing gases, and with an aerosol optical depth (AOD) that varied between 0.1-0.8.

Description: Light emerging from natural water bodies and measured by remote sensing radiometers contains information about the local type and concentrations of phytoplankton, non-algal particles and colored dissolved organic matter in the underlying waters. An increase in spectral resolution in forthcoming satellite and airborne remote sensing missions is expected to lead to new or improved capabilities to characterize aquatic ecosystems. Such upcoming missions include NASA's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) Mission; the NASA Surface Biology and Geology observable mission; and NASA Airborne Visible / Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) - Next Generation airborne missions. In anticipation of these missions, we present an organized dataset of geographically diverse, quality-controlled, high spectral resolution inherent and apparent optical property (IOP/AOP) aquatic data. The data are intended to be of use to increase our understanding of aquatic optical properties, to develop aquatic remote sensing data product algorithms, and to perform calibration and validation activities for forthcoming aquatic-focused imaging spectrometry missions. The dataset is comprised of contributions from several investigators and investigating teams collected over a range of geographic areas and water types, including inland waters, estuaries and oceans. Specific in situ measurements include coefficients describing particulate absorption, particulate attenuation, non-algal particulate absorption, colored dissolved organic matter absorption, phytoplankton absorption, total absorption, total attenuation, particulate backscattering, and total backscattering, as well as remote sensing reflectance, and irradiance reflectance.