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

Japan and the Turbulent Sea

A poem by Matsuo Bashō, the 17th-century haiku master, roughly translates as:

Turbulent the sea —
Stretching across to Sado Island,
The Milky Way.

The above NOAA 20 and Suomi-NPP VIIRS composite depicts phytoplankton communities around Japan and shows that the sea is still turbulent in the 21st century.

The data composing the above image were collected on April 20, 2021. Click on the image to get a larger version with Typhoon Surigae spinning in the lower left corner.

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.