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Requirement Of Minimal Signal-To-Noise Ratios Of Ocean Color Sensors And Uncertainties Of Ocean Color Products, Lin Qi, Zhongping Lee, Chuanmin Hu, Menghua Wang

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Using simulations, error propagation theory, and measurements from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), we determined the minimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required for ocean color measurements and product uncertainties at different spatial and temporal scales. First, based on typical top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance over the ocean, we evaluate the uncertainties in satellite-derived R_rs in the visible wavelengths (ΔR_rs(vis)) due to sensor noise in both the near-infrared (NIR) and the visible bands. While the former induces noise in R_rs(vis) through atmospheric correction, the latter has a direct impact on R_rs(vis). Such estimated uncertainties are …