2.8 MERIS-Specific Topics

Band Set

MERIS is operated with a fixed set of bands, recommended by the Science Advisory Group (SAG) and frozen before launch. The Level 2 ESA products have been developed and are validated for this set of bands.

It is possible to use alternative band sets for experimental campaigns of a few weeks duration. Initial requirements for such campaigns can be submitted through the Announcement of Opportunity.

Acquisition Modes

MERIS measurements are always taken in full resolution (FR). These are averaged onboard to reduced resolution (RR). RR and FR data from areas, which are not in the visibility need to be recorded onboard. The capacity of the onboard recorder for FR data is limited to 20 min.

The background mission defines which data is stored and transmitted to the receiving station. The background mission foresees that RR data is available from every location worldwide, while FR data are available from European land surfaces and all coastal areas, but not from open ocean areas. Requests for FR data can be submitted to mission planning and overwrite the background mission.