Derivation of SST using MODIS direct broadcast data

MODIS (MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) onboard the first Earth Observing System (EOS) satellite, Terra, was launched successfully at the end of 1999. The direct broadcast MODIS data has been received and utilized in Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) since february 2001. This study introduces utilizations of this data, especially for the derivation of sea surface temperature (SST). To produce the MODIS SST operationally, we used a simple cloud mask algorithm and MCSST algorithm. By using a simple cloud mask algorithm and by assumption of NOAA daily SST as a true SST, a new set of MCSST coefficients was derived. And we tried to analyze the current NASA's PFSST and new MCSST algorithms by using the collocated buoy observation data. Although the number of collocated data was limited, both algorithms are highly correlated with the buoy SST, but somewhat bigger bias and RMS difference than we expected. And PFSST uniformly underestimated the SST. Through more analyzing the archived and future-received data, we plan to derive better MCSST coefficients and apply to MODIS data of Aqua that is the second EOS satellite. To use the MODIS standard cloud mask algorithm to get better SST coefficients is going to be prepared.