Evolution of Ocean Color Atmospheric Correction: 1970–2005

Abstract

Retrieval of water properties from satellite-borne imagers viewing oceans and coastal areas in the visible region of the spectrum requires removing the effect of the atmosphere, which contributes approximately 80–90% of the measured radiance over the open ocean in the blue spectral region. The Gordon and Wang algorithm originally developed for SeaWiFS (and used with other NASA sensors, e.g., MODIS) forms the basis for many atmospheric removal (correction) procedures. It was developed for application to imagery obtained over the open ocean (Case 1 waters), where the aerosol is usually non-absorbing, and is used operationally to process global data from SeaWiFS, MODIS and VIIRS. Here, I trace the evolution of this algorithm from early NASA aircraft experiments through the CZCS, OCTS, SeaWiFs, MERIS, and finally the MODIS sensors. Strategies to extend the algorithm to situations where the aerosol is strongly absorbing are examined. Its application to sensors with additional and unique capabilities is sketched. Problems associated with atmospheric correction in coastal waters are described.