The PACE mission’s Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) and two Multiangle Polarimeters (the HARP2 and SPEXone) will enable researchers to study the ocean’s biology, chemistry, and ecology in greater detail than ever before. The OCI will measure the color of the ocean, providing information about the concentration and types of phytoplankton, as well as other water constituents. The HARP2 and SPEXone instruments will measure the polarization of light, which can provide additional information about the size, shape, and composition of particles in the atmosphere and ocean.
The OCI, HARP2, and SPEXone instruments will work together to provide a comprehensive view of the Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. The data collected by these instruments will help scientists better understand the complex interactions between the ocean, atmosphere, and climate, and how they are changing over time. This information will be critical for monitoring the health of the oceans and developing strategies for sustainable management of marine resources.