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

Benguela Current

Northward winds along the West Coast of Southern Africa drive the Benguela Current. This sea current powers offshore "Ekman transport" driven up-welling of deep nutrient-rich water to the euphotic zone where highly productive phytoplankton grow and act as the foundation of the Benguela coastal marine ecosystem. Distinctive bathymetry (sea floor topography), hydrography, chemistry and trophodynamics combine to make the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) one of the most productive ocean fisheries in the world with mean annual primary productivity at around 1.25 kilograms (2.75 lbs) of carbon ("marine biomass") per square meter, per year.

This image was taken by the MODIS instrument aboard the Aqua spacecraft on April 18, 2022. Click on it to see a larger image.

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.