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

Channel Islands off the California Coast

Image of the Channel Islands off the California Coast
A nice, clear image of California and the Channel Islands. The Santa Anna winds are creating whitecaps in the water near the coastline and commonly create the conditions for explosive wildfires. For those who read "The Island of the Blue Dolphins" in school, the story is based on real events that occurred on the small, isolated island in the center of the frame.

This image was taken on Nov. 19, 2022 by the HawkEye instrument on the Seahawk spacecraft. (Image Credit: Alan Holmes, the Hawkeye Instrument Engineer.)

Click here to see the HawkEye Image Gallery

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.