What Does CZCS Stand For?

CZCS stands for Coastal Zone Color Scanner

CZCS, or Coastal Zone Color Scanner, is an advanced satellite instrument designed to monitor and analyze coastal ocean color. By measuring the spectral reflectance of water, CZCS provides critical data on phytoplankton distribution, water quality, and sediment transport. Launched in 1978 aboard the Nimbus-7 satellite, it represented a significant advancement in oceanographic research, enabling scientists to better understand coastal ecosystems and their dynamics.