Data Monitor Glossary

Monitors maintained by the CoastWatch Team

Data Assurance (DA) refers to the availability of data

Field Observations are in-situ environmental data collection which measures geophysical targets at point locations. These types of observations are often used to help calibrate remote-sensing instruments by providing "field truth". 

Radiation from the ocean surface of light in the visible wavelengths gives information about the color of the ocean. This "ocean color" (radiances) can be used to estimate chlorophyll concentration (the pigment in plants and phytoplankton responsible for photosynthesis and the dominant source of color in the open ocean) or the coefficients of light attenuation through the water column and other parameters (generally related to biological processes). In coastal areas, other biological compounds and minerals add complexity to interpretation. Clouds will block remotely sensed OC.

Oceanic currents include the movement and transport of sea water across the world's oceans. They are driven by tides, winds, and differences in water density. 

Oceanic Heat Content (OHC) is the measure of the integrated vertical temperature from the sea surface to the depth of the 26°C isotherm and computed from the altimeter-derived isotherm depths in the upper ocean relative to 20°C

Both thermal and microwave sensors can be used to estimate sea ice.  The thermal method has higher spatial resolution but is impacted by clouds (e.g., VIIRS).  The microwave method is lower spatial resolution but not impacted by clouds (e.g. AMSR-2).

Quality Assurance (QA) refers to the accuracy, precision, or scientific merit of data

Monitors maintained by accredited groups, organizations, or programs who partner with NOAA CoastWatch

Satellite altimeters use active radar to observe the surface height of the ocean which is not smooth or flat. Fluid hills and valleys deviate from a reference (mean geoid) height at the ocean surface. These vertical gradients are of interest for sea level rise, storm predictions, ocean currents, ecosystem ecology and other applications.