Worldwide Ocean Optics Database (WOOD) from Office of Naval Research and Johns Hopkins Univ. Applied Physics Laboratory

World-wide Ocean Optics Database

A very large volume of ocean optics-related data exist in numerous
data formats and at many institutions around the world. This
project is collecting all of these data, converting them to a
single data format, and storing them in an Oracle database that is
accessible over the internet at "http://wood.jhuapl.edu". The
homepage has a link to maps showing data locations (primarily of
chlorophyll profiles). Where possible, the data sets are quality-
checked. The majority of the data collected to date are chlorophyll
pigment profiles and diffuse attenuation coefficient profiles.
Other key variables include the beam attenuation coefficient (c),
the backscattering coefficient, backscatter, temperature, and salinity.
Other parameters of interest are listed in the Table below. The
data have also been merged with the 5 nmi resolution ocean
bathymetry database known as DBDB5 so that one can search for data
within a user-defined depth range. The optics database includes
pertinent information such as wavelength, bandwidth, sensor type,
cruise identifier, and principal author.

The data are useful for a variety of applications, such as field
test planning, model development and validation, and area
characterizations. The database is also invaluable to the US Navy
for applications such as detectability assessments, tactical
guidance, and environmental predictions.

Much of the data come from Bedford Institute of Oceanography in
Halifax, Canada, and from NOAA.

This database will only be as complete as you make it. Therefore,
please contact Jeff Smart (Project PI) as indicated below if you
can contribute data. The database project is funded by ONR Ocean
Optics (Steve Ackleson).

Jeffrey H. Smart, Room 7-320,
Applied Physics Laboratory/Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, Md 20723-6099
ph 301-953-6000 x4331, e-mail: [e-mail],
FAX: [phone]

Candidate Parameters to be Stored in the Optics Database.

Absorption Coefficient (/m) Scattering Coefficient
Beam Attenuation Coefficient Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient
Backscatter Angular Backscattering Coefficient
Downwelling Irradiance Upwelling Irradiance
Scalar Irradiance Upwelling Radiance
Radiance Reflectance Pigment Concentration
Chlorophyll a Chlorophyll b
Chlorophyll c Phaeophytin

Related Variables of Potential Interest:
Nutrients Oxygen
Temperature Salinity
SigmaT ([=density-1.0]*1000) BV Frequency

Dissemination Considerations

All data have special keys that specify who gathered the data and
what dissemination restrictions (if any) apply. For example, some
data are restricted to dissemination to DOD and DOD contractors.