Bettye C. Johnson

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Bettye C. Johnson is a leading figure in ocean color radiometry and atmospheric correction, whose work has been instrumental in advancing the calibration and validation of satellite-derived water-leaving radiance measurements. Her most-cited research focuses on the characterization and absolute calibration of AERONET-OC radiometers—the ocean color component of the global Aerosol Robotic Network. In this pivotal study, Johnson and her team demonstrated how modified CE-318 sun photometers deployed on fixed marine structures like oil rigs and lighthouses can provide highly accurate above-water radiometric data. This work is critical for ensuring the reliability of satellite ocean color observations, which underpin studies of phytoplankton dynamics, water quality, and carbon cycling. With 9 citations, her contributions have already shaped best practices for in situ radiometric calibration, directly supporting the global ocean color community. Johnson’s rigorous approach to instrument characterization has strengthened the foundation of satellite oceanography, making her a key contributor to the ongoing effort to monitor Earth’s aquatic ecosystems from space.