Satellite ocean color validation

Ocean color satellites measure the color of the ocean, allowing for the retrieval of optical, biological, and biogeochemical properties of waters. However, satellite ocean color products must be validated with field measurements to ensure their fidelity and suitability for environmental and climate applications. This work details satellite ocean color remote sensing and validation problems. It is focused on in situ optical radiometry, in situ observation of inherent optical properties, and measurement of phytoplankton pigments and classes. We discuss the advantages and challenges of each state-of-the-art technique. We also demonstrate the validation procedure with a matchup analysis based on coincident satellite and field measurements.