NASA's OceanColor Web is supported by the Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Our responsibilities include the collection, processing, calibration, validation, archive and distribution of ocean-related products from a large number of operational, satellite-based remote-sensing missions providing ocean color, sea surface temperature and sea surface salinity data to the international research community since 1996.

Ocean Color Feature

Spring in the Southwestern South Atlantic Ocean

Click to see a larger version. — The South Atlantic Ocean east of Argentina is always a riot of color in the springtime when sunlight and nutrients are plentiful and grazers in the water column have a tough time keeping up with all of the phytoplankton fecundity. Haze visible in the upper right quadrant of the above image may be smoke from brush fires in Australia.

The above image is a composite of VIIRS data collected by the Suomi-NPP and NOAA 20 satellites on November 18, 2019. Click on it to get a larger version.

Visit the image gallery archive for additional ocean color features.

Ocean Biology Distributed Active Archive Center (OB.DAAC)

The OBPG serves as a DAAC for satellite ocean biology data produced or collected under NASA EOSDIS, including those from historical missions and partner space organizations. OB.DAAC is a member of the ICSU World Data System.

SeaDAS

SeaDAS is an image analysis package for the processing and display of satellite ocean color data.

SeaBASS

SeaBASS is a repository of in situ oceanographic data to support algorithm development and satellite data product validation activities.

Field Support Group

The OBPG maintains a Field Support Group that collects in situ data, engages in community measurement protocols activities, and hosts an HPLC phytoplankton pigment processing facility.