IOP Algorithm Workshop

Planned to be held in conjunction with Ocean Optics XIX,
Tuscany, Italy
October 3rd and 4th, 2008

Semi-analytical (SA) ocean color algorithms provide a mechanism for                      
estimating marine inherent optical properties (IOPs), such as spectral                   
absorption and backscattering coefficients, from satellite radiometric                   
measurements.  While SA algorithms include empirical components, they                    
improve upon purely statistical approaches through their foundation in                   
radiative transfer theory and their ability to simultaneously retrieve                   
multiple, often uncorrelated, optical parameters.  IOPs provide a                        
resource for studying numerous ocean processes, and as such, the                         
international ocean color community maintains significant interest in                    
improving the regional and global quality of satellite-derived SA data                   
products.  The IOCCG Algorithm Working Group recently conducted a                        
comprehensive survey of relevant IOP algorithms, their performance, and                  
their associated uncertainties (IOCCG Report 5, 2006).  Using this                       
accomplishment as a foundation, we propose that an                                       
internationally-attended SA algorithm workshop be conducted in                           
conjunction with the Ocean Optics XIX meeting in October 2008,
with the purpose of extending the IOCCG  effort to:                                                                               
                                                                                         
(1) explicitly define the state-of-the-art with regards to the                           
application of these algorithms to satellite radiometry (e.g., identify                  
and remediate satellite inversion failure conditions); and following,                    
                                                                                         
(2) further dissect the algorithm components (parameterization,                          
optimization, inversion) to identify the most effective approach(es) for                 
producing global-scale, satellite IOP products.                                          
                                                                                         
Our desired outcome is community investment in consolidated algorithm                    
development and routine production of satellite-derived IOP data                         
products.  To facilitate a community-wide effort, the workshop will be                   
cultivated through a collaborative effort between NASA and international                 
colleagues.                                                                              
                                                                                         
Participation will be both limited and active in the months preceding                    
the workshop.                                                                       

A formal Workshop announcement will follow this message next week (~24                   
Mar 2008) with specific application instructions, timing, and                            
requirements.  We encourage all community members to consider                            
contributing to such an effort.                                                          
                                                                                         
Best regards,                                                                            
                                                                                         
The NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group                                                  
                                                                                         
Comments?  Questions?  Contact:  algorithms@oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov