This document stipulates protocols for measuring bio-optical and radiometric data for the Sensor Intercomparision and Merger for Biological and Interdisciplinary Oceanic Studies (SIMBIOS) Project activities and algorithm development. The document is organized into 6 separate volumes as Ocean Optics Protocols for Satellite Ocean Color Sensor Validation, Revision 4. Volume I: Introduction, Background, and Conventions; Volume II: Instrument Specifications, Characterization and Calibration; Volume III: Radiometric Measurements and Data Analysis Methods; Volume IV: Inherent Optical Properties: Instruments, Characterization, Field Measurements and Data Analysis Protocols; Volume V: Biogeochemical and Bio-Optical Measurements and Data Analysis Methods; Volume VI: Special Topics in Ocean Optics Protocols and Appendices. The earlier version of Ocean Optics Protocols for Satellite Ocean Color Sensor Validation, Revision 3 is entirely superseded by the six volumes of Revision 4 listed above.Mueller, J. L. and Fargion, G. S. and McClain, C. R. (Editor) and Pegau, S. and Zanefeld, J. R. V. and Mitchell, B. G. and Kahru, M. and Wieland, J. and Stramska, M.Goddard Space Flight CenterWATER COLOR; PROTOCOL (COMPUTERS); OCEAN SURFACE; OCEANOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS; OCEAN COLOR SCANNER; SATELLITE OBSERVATION; OPTICAL MEASUREMENT; RADIOMETERS; DATA PROCESSING; OPTICAL PROPERTIES; ALGORITHMS

This document stipulates protocols for measuring bio-optical and radiometric data for the SIMBIOS Project. It supersedes the earlier version, and is organized into four parts: Introductory Background, Instrument Characteristics, Field Measurements and Data Analysis, Data Reporting and Archival. Changes in this revision include the addition of three new chapters: (1) Fundamental Definitions, Relationships and Conventions; (2) MOBY, A Radiometric Buoy for Performance Monitoring and Vicarious Calibration of Satellite Ocean Color Sensors: Measurement and Data Analysis Protocols; and (3) Normalized Water-Leaving Radiance and Remote Sensing Reflectance: Bidirectional Reflectance and Other Factors. Although the present document represents another significant, incremental improvement in the ocean optics protocols, there are several protocols that have either been overtaken by recent technological progress, or have been otherwise identified as inadequate. Revision 4 is scheduled for completion sometime in 2003. This technical report is not meant as a substitute for scientific literature. Instead, it will provide a ready and responsive vehicle for the multitude of technical reports issued by an operational Project. The contributions are published as submitted, after only minor editing to correct obvious grammatical or clerical errors. Mueller, James L. (Editor) and Fargion, Giulietta (Editor) and Mueller, J. L. and Trees, C. and Austin, R. W. and Pietras, C. and Hooker, S. and Holben, B. and McClain, Charles R. and Clark, D. K. and Yuen, M. Goddard Space Flight Center