Toward a Global Ocean System for Measurements of Optical Properties Using Remote Sensing and In Situ Observations

Observations of the optical properties of the ocean are important for resolving several issues, including primary productivity, biogeochemical cycling, health of the ocean (e.g., harmful algal blooms), upper ocean heating, and underwater visibility. The present review describes some enabling technologies that can be used to greatly increase the variety and quantity of optical observations and to expand their time-space sampling domains. The technologies explained here involve a variety of optical sensors and systems and ocean observing platforms. Remote sensing of ocean color from aircraftand satellite-borne instruments is vital to obtain regionaland global-scale optical data synoptically. In situ observations are essential for calibration and validation of remotely sensed data as well as for algorithm development. In situ systems also provide complementary subsurface and high temporal resolution data sets. Developing a framework for synthesizing optical data obtained from state-of-the-art and emerging optical sensors and oceanographic platforms and for utilizing these data in predictive models is an important challenge.