Applying uncertainties to ocean colour data

Abstract

Retrieval of operational optical products from the future Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) Sentinel-3 mission aims to provide continuity of existing missions delivering ocean/land colour, surface temperature and sea surface topography data. This paper describes the current status of the Sentinel-3 Level 2 Optical Prototype Processor (O-L2PP) whose development includes not only a list of products, but also associated uncertainty estimates—a key requirement for the processor. Examples of the approaches adopted within the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) processing module demonstrate how uncertainties can be estimated.