White Papers developed by IOCCG scientific groups or task forces and the Ocean Colour Radiometry Virtual Constellation (OCR-VC) are documents that concisely outline a set of recommendations to develop some aspect of ocean colour science. Two white paper have been developed: the International Network for Sensor Inter-comparison and Uncertainty assessment for Ocean Color Radiometry (INSITU-OCR) white paper (June 2012), which sets out recommendations that work towards consistency and accuracy in the development of essential climate variables from multiple missions; and the Ocean Colour System Vicarious Calibration (OC-SVC) white paper (June 2024), which sets out recommendations and requirements for a comprehensive ocean colour SVC framework for satellite ocean colour missions targeting climate and global long-term operational applications.
The White Paper INSITU-OCR (International Network for Sensor Inter-comparison and Uncertainty assessment for Ocean Color Radiometry) provides recommendations relevant to the production of long time-series of consistent and accurate Ocean Colour Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), namely Ocean Color Radiometry (OCR) and derived chlorophyll-a concentration from multi-mission satellite ocean color data, in view of creating Climate Data Records (CDR).
The White Paper System Vicarious Calibration (SVC) requirements for satellite ocean colour missions targeting climate and global long-term operational applications affirms the essential need for SVC long-term and sustained infrastructures and related activities, and outlines the main requirements for a comprehensive ocean colour SVC framework with a focus on supporting the climate and global operational applications to ensure the highest accuracy and consistency of global and multi-decadal ocean colour data products.
The sixth International Ocean Colour Science (IOCS) meeting will take place in Darmstadt, Germany from 1 – 4 December 2025, hosted by EUMETSAT and ESA with support from other agencies.