Characterization of Chlorophyll-a over CAL-VAL Site at Kavaratti in the Lakshadweep Sea

Abstract

Under the Meteorology and Oceanography Programme (MOP) of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), a Calibration-Validation site is planned at Kavaratti in the Lakshadweep Sea with a pair of moored data buoys consisting of fully programmed in situ marine optical observation systems. This will provide an operational capability for vicarious calibration of space-borne ocean color sensors (present and future), algorithm development, and validation of products in case-I waters of the Arabian Sea. For the initial site selection, available ocean color chlorophyll-a concentration were analyzed. The selected deployment site was located between the Kavaratti and Agatti islands of the Lakshadweep Sea.

Keywords:

• Variability
• case-1
• ocean color
• oligotropic
• calibration and validation

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the encouragement received from Director, SAC, and Director, NIO, to carry out this work. Useful suggestions received from Group Director, MESG, are also gratefully acknowledged. Authors are also thankful to the anonymous reviewers.