N: 90 S: -90 E: 180 W: -180
Description
This BBP data suite provides regional estimates of the particulate backscattering coefficient, bbp(532 nm) (units: m⁻¹) derived from the CALIOP lidar aboard CALIPSO. CALIOP’s active 532-nm channel enables nighttime and high-latitude retrievals where passive ocean-color sensors are often limited, and published evaluations show that space-lidar bbp is a strong complement to ocean color and in situ float observations for upper-ocean optical and biogeochemical studies. Typical uses include time-series analysis of particulate optics, high-latitude/seasonal studies, and providing independent constraints for algorithms that link bbp to carbon stocks or phytoplankton dynamics. Users should note CALIOP’s limited subsurface penetration (~a few optical depths) and apply the product’s recommended screening (day/night, quality flags) before analysis.
Geophysical variables in this suite include:
• bbp – Particulate backscattering coefficient at 532 nm (m⁻¹)
Product Summary
Citation
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Variables
The table below lists the variables contained within a single granule for this dataset. Variables often contain observed or derived geophysical measurements collected from a variety of sources, including remote sensing instruments on satellite and airborne platforms, field campaigns, in situ measurements, and model outputs. The terms variable, parameter, scientific data set, layer, and band have been used across NASA’s Earth science disciplines; however, variable is the designated nomenclature in NASA’s Common Metadata Repository (CMR). Variable metadata attributes such as Name, Description, Units, Data Type, Fill Value, Valid Range, and Scale Factor allow users to efficiently process and analyze the data. The full range of attributes may not be applicable to all variables. Additional information on variable attributes is typically available in the data, user guide, and/or other product documentation.
For questions on a specific variable, please use the Earthdata Forum.
| Name Sort descending | Description | Units | Data Type | Fill Value | Valid Range | Scale Factor | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bbp | Particulate backscattering coefficient at 532 nm | 1/m | float32 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| lat | Latitude | degrees_north | float32 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| lon | Longitude | degrees_east | float32 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| time | Time in seconds since 1970-01-01 | seconds since 1970-01-01 00:00:00 | float64 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |