Ocean Biology DAAC (OB.DAAC)

Disciplines: Ocean color, sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity

NASA's Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center (OB.DAAC) is managed by NASA's Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG). OB.DAAC is responsible for archiving satellite ocean biology data produced or collected under NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). OB.DAAC's holdings include a mixture of historical and current missions, as well as data from both NASA and partner space organizations. Supported sensors, related information, and direct links to data can be found on the OB.DAAC website.

Ocean Data Processing System

OB.DAAC provides access to data and information through the Ocean Color website. Users can visually search the ocean color data archive and directly download and/or order data from single files to the entire mission using the Level 1 and 2 Browser. Using the Level 3 Browser, users may also browse the entire Level 3 global ocean color data set for many parameters and time periods and download either PNG images or digital data in HDF format. In addition, the Ocean Color Project maintains several HTTPS sites for the direct download of data for each supported mission/sensor.

Data Visualization, Processing and Analysis

SeaDAS is a comprehensive software package for the processing, display, analysis, and quality control of remote-sensing Earth data. SeaDAS serves as the official distribution point of the NASA OBPG Science Software. This science processing component of SeaDAS applies the OBPG algorithms to satellite data in order to characterize and calibrate the data and generate science quality OBPG products.

SeaDAS currently supports the science processing of over 15 US and international satellite missions. Additional coinciding ancillary data are used to correct for and calibrate out the atmospheric components of the signal in order to determine an Earth/ocean surface level signal. Customized algorithms can be developed and applied within SeaDAS to evaluate ocean, land and atmospheric data, as well as to produce True Color imagery.

SeaDAS can also integrate SeaBASS format in situ data for comparative analysis with relevant satellite data. The latest version downloads, videos, tutorials and documentation can be found on the SeaDAS website. More help and support can be found on the Earthdata Forum.

In Situ Archive

High quality in situ measurements are prerequisite for satellite data product validation, algorithm development, and many climate-related inquiries. The OBPG maintains the SeaWiFS Bio-optical Archive and Storage System (SeaBASS), a public repository of in situ oceanographic and atmospheric data, to support their routine algorithm development and satellite data product validation activities.

Contact Information

Sean Bailey, DAAC Manager 
Alicia Scott, Deputy DAAC Manager
Guoqing Wang, DAAC Scientist
Aynur Abdurazik, SeaDAS Lead
Chris Proctor, SeaBASS Lead

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Code 616
Greenbelt, MD 20771

OB.DAAC Website: https://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/
SeaDAS Website: http://seadas.gsfc.nasa.gov/
SeaBASS Website: http://seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Last Updated
More Resources
Ocean Color Web
Ocean Color Level 1 and Level 2 Data Browser
Ocean Color Level 3 Data Browser
Ocean Color Image Gallery
OB.DAAC on Earthdata Forum
OB.DAAC Fact Sheet
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