Ocean Colour Radiometry – Virtual Constellation

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) developed the concept of virtual, space-based Constellations to leverage inter-Agency collaboration and partnerships to address observational gaps, sustain the routine collection of critical observations, and minimize duplication/overlaps in observations of a particular parameter of the Earth system. The Ocean Colour Radiometry Virtual Constellation (OCR-VC) was established to produce sustained data records of well-calibrated and validated satellite ocean colour datasets from measurements obtained from multiple satellites. All IOCCG Agencies serving on the IOCCG Committee support some aspect of OCR-VC and are taking a leadership role in its activities.

Within the OCR-VC framework, the multi-agency OCR-Implementation Team (OCR-IT) was established to prepare a rolling implementation plan for the INSITU-OCR White Paper, which provides recommendations on activities critical to ensure high accuracy and consistency among products from present and future  ocean colour missions, with particular emphasis on requirements addressing the generation of ocean colour Essential Climate Variables (ECV) as proposed by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS).  See the CEOS ECV Inventory which houses information on Climate Data Records (CDR) provided mostly by CEOS and CGMS member agencies.

OCR-IT activities include calibration, validation, merging of satellite and in situ data, product generation, as well as development and demonstration of new and improved applications.

CEOS Ocean Colour Radiometry Virtual Constellation (OCR-VC)

Co-Chairs

Ewa Kwiatkowska (EUMETSAT, Germany)
Menghua Wang (NOAA/NESDIS/STAR, USA)
Marie-Hélène Rio (ESA-ESRIN, Italy)