First algorithm for chlorophyll‐a retrieval from MODIS‐Terra imagery of Sun‐induced fluorescence in the Southern Ocean

The measurements of in situ samplers, the ENEA Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) Fluorosensor (ELF) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on‐board the Terra satellite (MODIS‐Terra), carried out in the Southern Ocean during the Austral summer 2002–2003, were used to provide the first algorithm for chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) retrieval from MODIS‐Terra imagery of Sun‐induced fluorescence in the Southern Ocean. The results of the algorithm indicate that the standard MODIS‐Terra algorithm underestimated Chl‐a. The discrepancy (20%) is below the expected error of MODIS (35%).