Phytoplankton Data from the PACE Satellite
Where to Find the Data
Although the main PACE website (pace.oceansciences.org) focuses on mission overviews and updates, detailed ocean color data—used to derive phytoplankton information—are hosted on NASA’s dedicated data portals. The key resources include:
- NASA Ocean Color Web: This portal provides processed ocean color products from PACE. These products include chlorophyll‑a concentrations, colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and suspended particulate matter, all of which are used to infer phytoplankton biomass and composition. You can explore these data at oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov.
- NASA Earthdata Search: This portal allows you to search, filter, and download PACE satellite data products. By using keywords (such as “PACE” and “ocean color”) and appropriate filters (e.g., time range and geographic region), you can locate datasets related to phytoplankton dynamics. Visit search.earthdata.nasa.gov.
Data Products Relevant to Phytoplankton
Some of the essential products derived from PACE data include:
- Chlorophyll‑a Concentration: A primary proxy for phytoplankton biomass.
- CDOM and Particulate Organic Matter: Indicators that help assess water quality and the ecological state of marine systems.
- Additional Ocean Color Parameters: Used in models to estimate primary productivity and ecosystem health.
Next Steps
To access phytoplankton-related data from PACE, please visit the NASA Ocean Color Web or the Earthdata Search portal. Using their search and filter tools will allow you to download the specific data products you need for your research.
Opinion and Analysis
In my view, the separation of mission information from the data distribution platform is a common approach that helps ensure the data are carefully processed and curated for scientific use. The PACE mission’s rich ocean color dataset—although not directly visible on the mission’s main website—is a vital resource for understanding phytoplankton dynamics and their response to climate variability. Integrating these high‐quality datasets into ecosystem models is essential for advancing our understanding of marine biogeochemistry.
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