Global variability of optical backscattering by non-algal particles from a Biogeochemical-Argo dataset

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the publisher via the DOI in this record Understanding spatial and temporal dynamics of non-algal particles in open ocean is of the utmost importance to improve estimations of carbon export and sequestration. These particles...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical Research Letters
Main Authors: Bellacicco, M, Cornec, M, Organelli, E, Brewin, RJW, Neukermans, G, Volpe, G, Barbieux, M, Poteau, A, Schmechtig, C, D'Ortenzio, F, Marullo, S, Claustre, H, Pitarch, J
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2019
Subjects:
non-algal particles
optical backscattering
global ocean
BGC-Argo floats
Southern Ocean
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10871/39071
https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL084078
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Summary:This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the publisher via the DOI in this record Understanding spatial and temporal dynamics of non-algal particles in open ocean is of the utmost importance to improve estimations of carbon export and sequestration. These particles covary with phytoplankton abundance but also accumulate independently of algal dynamics. The latter likely represents an important fraction of organic carbon, but it is largely overlooked. A possible way to study these particles is via their optical backscattering properties (bbp) and relationship with chlorophyll-a (Chl). To this aim, we estimate the fraction of bbp associated with the non-algal particle portion (bkbp) that does not covary with Chl by using a global Biogeochemical-Argo data set. We quantify the spatial, temporal, and vertical variability of bkbp. In the northern productive areas, bkbp is a small fraction of bbp and shows a clear seasonal cycle. In the Southern Ocean, bkbp is a major fraction of total bbp. In oligotrophic areas, bkbp has a smooth annual cycle. Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) European Research Council (FP7 Ideas) EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (H2020). CNES‐TOSCA, LEFE Cyber, and GMMC British Natural Environment Research Council—NERC. European Commission's FP7 project European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program French Equipement d'avenir European Research Council

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