Near-real-time processing of ocean color data for Naval fleet support -recent and future improvements

The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) has continued to develop new capabilities in the area of near-real-time synoptic ocean observation. In the last year, the Navy has developed the ability to acquire and process near-real-time ocean color data. This has made possible the generation of satellite optical products that can be used for Naval fleet support. In this paper, we will present recent and near-future improvements in the areas of new data types, new products and product algorithms, atmospheric corrections, sensor calibrations, cloud masking techniques, validation issues, and timeliness of the data. We will also present the evolving method that NAVOCEANO is utilizing to acquire and process ocean color data. Present optical products available for Naval fleet support include diver visibility for fleet and diver guidance, attenuation fields for laser systems performance assessment, and turbidity and front/eddy information for physical circulation model performance assessments.