Michael Ondrusek

NOAA National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service, NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction

Papers

Total Citations

176

H-Index

About

Michael Ondrusek is a leading figure in satellite oceanography, with a primary focus on advancing the quality and application of ocean color remote sensing. His most impactful work centers on the rigorous validation and enhancement of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) data from the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI). His seminal 2017 paper on this topic, which has garnered over 150 citations, established critical protocols for evaluating and improving the quality of aquatic science products derived from this key satellite sensor, directly enabling more accurate monitoring of coastal and inland waters. Beyond static validation, Ondrusek has pioneered the study of dynamic coastal processes, using high-frequency above-water radiometry to characterize diurnal changes in ocean color. His research, including a 2017 study in the Gulf of Mexico, reveals how tides, winds, and biological activity alter water color on hourly scales, challenging traditional satellite validation approaches and highlighting the need for observations that capture these rapid changes. Through this work, Ondrusek has significantly advanced our ability to use satellite data to understand the complex, time-varying biology and physics of coastal ecosystems.