MODIS-aqua L2 PIC R2022.0 validation

[glastirmep]

Hello,
I have a question about the validation of reprocessed MODIS-aqua L2 PIC, described in https://seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov/search/?search_type=Perform%20Validation%20Search&val_sata=1&val_products=9 and https://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/reprocessing/r2022/aqua/. When compared with in situ measurements, is the value of the central pixel (i.e. the pixel that encloses it) or the mean value of a 3x3 or 5x5 ... centered at the pixel enclosing the in situ location? Is the validation processed published?
Additionally, I've read casandra21 questions about PIC Algorithm (viewtopic.php?t=3851) and it's mentioned that the PIC algorithm is specifically attuned to the light scattering and reflective properties of coccolithophorids and coccoliths; could you point me to any scientific paper where that's explained?
Thank you very much

[OB General Science - guoqingw]

1) Satellite measurements are averages taken from a 5×5 pixel box centered around the location of the in situ measurement. You can find more details here: https://seabass.gsfc.nasa.gov/wiki/validation_description

2) For PIC, you can refer to the ATBD and the corresponding references for details:
https://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/resources/atbd/pic/