Articles | Volume 9, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-9-497-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-9-497-2017
25 Jul 2017
 | 25 Jul 2017

Expanding understanding of optical variability in Lake Superior with a 4-year dataset

Colleen B. Mouw, Audrey B. Ciochetto, Brice Grunert, and Angela Yu

Abstract. Lake Superior is one of the largest freshwater lakes on our planet, but few optical observations have been made to allow for the development and validation of visible spectral satellite remote sensing products. The dataset described here focuses on coincidently observing inherent and apparent optical properties along with biogeochemical parameters. Specifically, we observe remote sensing reflectance, absorption, scattering, backscattering, attenuation, chlorophyll concentration, and suspended particulate matter over the ice-free months of 2013–2016. The dataset substantially increases the optical knowledge of the lake. In addition to visible spectral satellite algorithm development, the dataset is valuable for characterizing the variable light field, particle, phytoplankton, and colored dissolved organic matter distributions, and helpful in food web and carbon cycle investigations. The compiled data can be freely accessed at https://seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov/archive/URI/Mouw/LakeSuperior/.

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Short summary
Lake Superior is one of the largest freshwater lakes on our planet, but few optical observations have been made to allow for the development and validation of visible spectral satellite remote sensing products. The dataset described here focuses on coincidently observing optical properties along with biogeochemical parameters and substantially increases the optical knowledge of the lake.