Retrieval of ocean optical and plankton properties with the satellite Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) sensor: Background, data processing, and validation status

Space-based light detection and ranging (lidar) instruments can provide important measurements of ocean ecosystems that both complement passive ocean color observations and address some of the limitations of this latter traditional technology. To this end and despite being designed for atmospheric research, significant progress has been made in retrieving ocean properties with the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) sensor and using these data for new ocean science applications. Over the course of these developments, data processing approaches have matured and product validation efforts have expanded. The purpose of this manuscript is to summarize characteristics of the CALIOP sensor and historical events leading to its use for ocean retrievals, to provide a consolidated synthesis of the current ocean data processing approach, and to summarize product validation status. In addition, we provide here an update on the current status of data processing for the CALIOP record, information on how to access data, processing code, and relevant documents, and recommendations on key areas for future developments.