Abstract:
This data set consists of algorithm estimates of global Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) reaching the surface obtained by the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS), in orbit on the OrbView-2 (formerly SeaStar) platform. SeaWiFS data products are processed and distributed by the Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG). Processing details can be found at http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/DOCS/SW_proc.html
PAR is defined as the quantum energy flux from the Sun in the spectral range 400-700 nm. It is expressed in Einstein/m2/day. The PAR model uses plane-parallel theory and assumes that the effects of clouds and clear atmosphere can be de-coupled. The planetary atmosphere is therefore modeled as a clear sky atmosphere positioned above a cloud layer. This approach was shown to be valid by Dedieu et al. (1987) and Frouin and Chertock (1992). For additional information about the algorithm see http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/DOCS/seawifs_par_wfigs.pdf
The SeaWiFS Level 3 standard mapped image (SMI) products are integer representations of binned data products. This image is an 8-bit, two-dimensional array of an Equidistant Cylindrical projection of the globe. (The capability to produce 16-bit SMI products has been implemented by the OBPG, and the SeaWiFS PAR products are expected to be regenerated as 16-bits values at the next reprocessing in about 1 year.) Each SMI product contains one image of a geophysical parameter and is stored in one physical HDF file. The Level 3 binned products are used to generate mapped data products on 9 km equi-rectangular projection. The products are generated for the following binning periods: Daily, 8-Day, Monthly, Monthly Climatology, Seasonal, Seasonal Climatology, Annual, Cumulative.
More detailed information on the Level-3 Standard Mapped Image data product format specifications can be found in the document at http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/DOCS/Ocean_Level-3_SMI_Products.pdf
Browse Level 3 Standard Mapped Images (SMI) at http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi/level3.pl
The SeaWiFS Level 3 Mapped data files are available from the FTP site at ftp://oceans.gsfc.nasa.gov/SeaWiFS/Mapped/
Related URL
Link:
GET DATA
Description:
Access SeaWiFS Level 3 Mapped Weekly PAR Data
Link:
GET DATA
Description:
Browse Level 3 Standard Mapped Images (SMI)
Link:
GET RELATED SERVICE METADATA (SERF)
Description:
SeaWiFS Data Analysis System (SeaDAS) for processing, display, analysis, and quality control of ocean products.
For algorithm information on SeaWiFS PAR products performed by the Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) see http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Access Constraints
From the start of instrument operations through January 1, 1998, all SeaWiFS data is free and available to the public. Following January 1, 1998, SeaWiFS data for scientific research will ONLY be available to Authorized Users who have registered with the SeaWiFS Project. Any individual scientist who will be conducting research that employs SeaWiFS data must be a registered Authorized User. A single Authorized User cannot obtain data to be used anonymously by members of a research group; all of the members of the group must be Authorized Users.
Use Constraints
Publications of research results utilizing these data must acknowledge the SeaWiFS Project and the Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA.
Name:
GENE
CARL
FELDMAN Phone:
(301) 286-9428
Fax:
(301) 286-0268
Email:
gene.c.feldman at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
Data System Manager
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Mailstop 614.8 City:
Greenbelt
Province or State:
MD
Postal Code:
20771
Country:
USA
GENE
CARL
FELDMAN Role:
TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone:
(301) 286-9428
Fax:
(301) 286-0268
Email:
gene.c.feldman at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
Data System Manager
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Mailstop 614.8 City:
Greenbelt
Province or State:
MD
Postal Code:
20771
Country:
USA
DR. CHARLES
R.
MCCLAIN Role:
INVESTIGATOR
Phone:
301-286-5377
Fax:
301-286-0268
Email:
Charles.R.McClain at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center City:
Greenbelt
Province or State:
MD
Postal Code:
20771
Country:
USA
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2005-10-25
Last DIF Revision Date:
2008-06-03
