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Marine Optical Laboratory
The Marine Optical Laboratory at the Joint Research Centre is a specialised research infrastructure which supports satellite ocean colour validation activities. Ocean optics research is the study of how light interacts with seawater and materials in it (phytoplankton, non-organic particles, coloured dissolved matter,…).
Knowledge of ocean optics is needed in aquatic remote sensing research in order to understand what information can be extracted from the colour of the water as it appears from satellite sensors in space. The work of the laboratory includes the calibration and in situ deployment of above- and under-water sensors using optical methods to study ocean colour, the determination of particulate and dissolved matter concentrations and optical properties, of phytoplankton pigment concentrations, and more.
The JRC contributes in its scientific and technical role to quantify the accuracy of marine Earth Observation data products within the Copernicus Program. In order to support the delivery of reliable information by Space Agencies, the JRC ensures the provision of highly accurate in situ reference data for the permanent calibration and validation of dedicated space mission data such as: spectral water-leaving radiance and remote sensing reflectance; seawater absorption, scattering and back-scattering coefficients; suspended matter and relevant phytoplankton pigment concentrations.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The JRC carries out the calibration of a back-scattering meter in pure water using a reference reflective plaque. The back-scattering properties of in-water particles are fundamental determinants of ocean colour. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities.
The in-air absolute calibration of an above-water optical radiometer using traceable reference lamp and reflective plaque is being done in order to ensure the comprehensive quantification of uncertainties affecting the measurements applied for validation activities.
The in-air absolute calibration of an above-water optical radiometer using traceable reference lamp and reflective plaque is being done in order to ensure the comprehensive quantification of uncertainties affecting the measurements applied for validation activities.
The in-air absolute calibration of an above-water optical radiometer using traceable reference lamp and reflective plaque is being done in order to ensure the comprehensive quantification of uncertainties affecting the measurements applied for validation activities.
The in-air absolute calibration of an above-water optical radiometer using traceable reference lamp and reflective plaque is being done in order to ensure the comprehensive quantification of uncertainties affecting the measurements applied for validation activities.
The in-air absolute calibration of an above-water optical radiometer using traceable reference lamp and reflective plaque is being done in order to ensure the comprehensive quantification of uncertainties affecting the measurements applied for validation activities.
The JRC has been performing oceanographic ship campaigns in European seas since 2000 in the frame of the ‘BioMaP project’ in order to support ocean colour space sensor products development and validation.
Deployment of above-water optical radiometers for measurements of water-leaving radiance.
The JRC has been performing oceanographic ship campaigns in European seas since 2000 in the frame of the ‘BioMaP project’ in order to support ocean colour space sensor products development and validation.
Deployment of an optic cage comprising in situ absorption, attenuation, back-scattering and conductivity (salinity)-temperature profilers.
Deployment of in-water optical ‘free-fall’ profilers for measurements of underwater radiance and irradiance.
Deployment of in-water optical ‘free-fall’ profilers for measurements of underwater radiance and irradiance.
The JRC has been performing oceanographic ship campaigns in European seas since 2000 in the frame of the ‘BioMaP project’ in order to support ocean colour space sensor products development and validation.
Deployment of an optic cage comprising in situ absorption, attenuation, back-scattering and conductivity (salinity)-temperature profilers.
Deployment of autonomous above-water optical radiometers for measurements of water-leaving radiance.
Sample preconditioning for phytoplankton pigments HPLC analysis at the ‘Acqua Alta’ Oceanographic Tower (AAOT) of the National Research Council (Cnr) in Italy: collection of replicates for international comparisons for HPLC method validation (HIP).
JRC researchers accessing the ‘Acqua Alta’ Oceanographic Tower (AAOT) of the National Research Council (Cnr) in Italy, located in the Adriatic Sea, during a field measurement campaign.
‘Acqua Alta’ Oceanographic Tower (AAOT) of the National Research Council (Cnr) in Italy, located in the Adriatic Sea, 8 nautical miles off Venice). The JRC has been deploying manned and autonomous instrumentation on board this tower since 1996 in order to support the development and validation of ocean colour space sensor products. Similarly, autonomous optical instruments have been deployed on board several platforms in European seas since 2005 in the frame of the ocean colour component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC, NASA).
Deployment of autonomous above-water optical radiometers for measurements of water-leaving radiance.
Determination of the concentration of significant phytoplankton pigments through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in marine and freshwater natural samples: the JRC regularly organise and lead international workshop and inter-comparisons exercises on HPLC phytoplankton pigment (HIP) with the general objective of supporting the validation of marine phytoplankton data products from Copernicus Ocean Color Satellite missions.
Determination of the concentration of significant phytoplankton pigments through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in marine and freshwater natural samples: the JRC regularly organise and lead international workshop and inter-comparisons exercises on HPLC phytoplankton pigment (HIP) with the general objective of supporting the validation of marine phytoplankton data products from Copernicus Ocean Color Satellite missions.
Determination of the concentration of significant phytoplankton pigments through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in marine and freshwater natural samples: the JRC regularly organise and lead international workshop and inter-comparisons exercises on HPLC phytoplankton pigment (HIP) with the general objective of supporting the validation of marine phytoplankton data products from Copernicus Ocean Color Satellite missions.
The JRC scientist is measuring the coloured dissolved organic matter absorption coefficient on a filtered seawater sample volume using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is measuring the coloured dissolved organic matter absorption coefficient on a filtered seawater sample volume using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is measuring the coloured dissolved organic matter absorption coefficient on a filtered seawater sample volume using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is measuring the coloured dissolved organic matter absorption coefficient on a filtered seawater sample volume using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is measuring the coloured dissolved organic matter absorption coefficient on a filtered seawater sample volume using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is measuring the coloured dissolved organic matter absorption coefficient on a filtered seawater sample volume using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is measuring the coloured dissolved organic matter absorption coefficient on a filtered seawater sample volume using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is determining seawater absorption coefficients for pigmented and non-pigmented particles on a seawater sample filter using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is determining seawater absorption coefficients for pigmented and non-pigmented particles on a seawater sample filter using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is determining seawater absorption coefficients for pigmented and non-pigmented particles on a seawater sample filter using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is determining seawater absorption coefficients for pigmented and non-pigmented particles on a seawater sample filter using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is determining seawater absorption coefficients for pigmented and non-pigmented particles on a seawater sample filter using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is determining seawater absorption coefficients for pigmented and non-pigmented particles on a seawater sample filter using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is determining seawater absorption coefficients for pigmented and non-pigmented particles on a seawater sample filter using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
The JRC scientist is determining seawater absorption coefficients for pigmented and non-pigmented particles on a seawater sample filter using high spectral resolution spectrophotometric techniques.
After calibration, the JRC deploys autonomous above-water optical radiometers for testing before deploying them from marine platforms or towers. There, such instruments allow for the continuous provision of water-leaving radiance reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities through the Ocean Colour component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC, NASA).
After calibration, the JRC deploys autonomous above-water optical radiometers for testing before deploying them from marine platforms or towers. There, such instruments allow for the continuous provision of water-leaving radiance reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities through the Ocean Colour component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC, NASA).
After calibration, the JRC deploys autonomous above-water optical radiometers for testing before deploying them from marine platforms or towers. There, such instruments allow for the continuous provision of water-leaving radiance reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities through the Ocean Colour component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC, NASA).
After calibration, the JRC deploys autonomous above-water optical radiometers for testing before deploying them from marine platforms or towers. There, such instruments allow for the continuous provision of water-leaving radiance reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities through the Ocean Colour component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC, NASA).
After calibration, the JRC deploys autonomous above-water optical radiometers for testing before deploying them from marine platforms or towers. There, such instruments allow for the continuous provision of water-leaving radiance reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities through the Ocean Colour component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC, NASA).
After calibration, the JRC deploys autonomous above-water optical radiometers for testing before deploying them from marine platforms or towers. There, such instruments allow for the continuous provision of water-leaving radiance reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities through the Ocean Colour component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC, NASA).
After calibration, the JRC deploys autonomous above-water optical radiometers for testing before deploying them from marine platforms or towers. There, such instruments allow for the continuous provision of water-leaving radiance reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities through the Ocean Colour component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC, NASA).
The JRC scientist is performing the in-air absolute calibration of an in-water optical radiometric sensor using a traceable reference lamp and a reflective plaque. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities. Necessary additional characterisations of such sensors are also performed at JRC include the determination of: immersion factors for in-water radiometric sensors; spectral response, non-cosine response of both in-air and in-water irradiance sensors; non-linear response; stray light perturbations; polarization sensitivity; and temperature response.
The JRC scientist is performing the in-air absolute calibration of an in-water optical radiometric sensor using a traceable reference lamp and a reflective plaque. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities. Necessary additional characterisations of such sensors are also performed at JRC include the determination of: immersion factors for in-water radiometric sensors; spectral response, non-cosine response of both in-air and in-water irradiance sensors; non-linear response; stray light perturbations; polarization sensitivity; and temperature response.
The JRC scientist is performing the in-air absolute calibration of an in-water optical radiometric sensor using a traceable reference lamp and a reflective plaque. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities. Necessary additional characterisations of such sensors are also performed at JRC include the determination of: immersion factors for in-water radiometric sensors; spectral response, non-cosine response of both in-air and in-water irradiance sensors; non-linear response; stray light perturbations; polarization sensitivity; and temperature response.
The JRC scientist is performing the in-air absolute calibration of an in-water optical radiometric sensor using a traceable reference lamp and a reflective plaque. Such calibration is essential for the temporal traceability and consistency of optical reference measurements supporting the Copernicus satellite ocean colour validation activities. Necessary additional characterisations of such sensors are also performed at JRC include the determination of: immersion factors for in-water radiometric sensors; spectral response, non-cosine response of both in-air and in-water irradiance sensors; non-linear response; stray light perturbations; polarization sensitivity; and temperature response.
