Articles | Volume 22, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2461-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-2461-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
28 May 2025
Research article |
| 28 May 2025
| 28 May 2025
Relationships between the concentration of particulate organic nitrogen and the inherent optical properties of seawater in oceanic surface waters
Alain Fumenia
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale, Université Lille, CNRS, IRD, UMR 8187, LOG, Wimereux, France
Hubert Loisel
Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale, Université Lille, CNRS, IRD, UMR 8187, LOG, Wimereux, France
Rick A. Reynolds
Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0238, USA
Dariusz Stramski
Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0238, USA
Related authors
No articles found.
Roy El Hourany, Juan Pierella Karlusich, Lucie Zinger, Hubert Loisel, Marina Levy, and Chris Bowler
Ocean Sci., 20, 217–239, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-217-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-217-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Satellite observations offer valuable information on phytoplankton abundance and community structure. Here, we employ satellite observations to infer seven phytoplankton groups at a global scale based on a new molecular method from Tara Oceans. The link has been established using machine learning approaches. The output of this work provides excellent tools to collect essential biodiversity variables and a foundation to monitor the evolution of marine biodiversity.
Hubert Loisel, Lucile Duforêt-Gaurier, Trung Kien Tran, Daniel Schaffer Ferreira Jorge, François Steinmetz, Antoine Mangin, Marine Bretagnon, and Odile Hembise Fanton d'Andon
State Planet, 1-osr7, 11, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-1-osr7-11-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-1-osr7-11-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper, we will show how a proxy for particulate composition (PPC), classifying the suspended particulate matter into its organic, mineral, or mixed fractions, can be estimated from remote-sensing observations. The selected algorithm will then be applied to MERIS observations (2002–2012) over global coastal waters to discuss the significance of this new product. A specific focus will be on the English Channel and the southern North Sea.
Hubert Loisel, Daniel Schaffer Ferreira Jorge, Rick A. Reynolds, and Dariusz Stramski
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 3711–3731, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-3711-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-3711-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Studies of light fields in aquatic environments require data from radiative transfer simulations that are free of measurement errors. In contrast to previously published synthetic optical databases, the present database was created by simulations covering a broad range of seawater optical properties that exhibit probability distributions consistent with a global ocean dominated by open-ocean pelagic environments. This database is intended to support ocean color science and applications.
Tihomir S. Kostadinov, Lisl Robertson Lain, Christina Eunjin Kong, Xiaodong Zhang, Stéphane Maritorena, Stewart Bernard, Hubert Loisel, Daniel S. F. Jorge, Ekaterina Kochetkova, Shovonlal Roy, Bror Jonsson, Victor Martinez-Vicente, and Shubha Sathyendranath
Ocean Sci., 19, 703–727, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-703-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-19-703-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We present a remote sensing algorithm to estimate the size distribution of particles suspended in natural near-surface ocean water using ocean color data. The algorithm can be used to estimate the abundance and carbon content of phytoplankton, photosynthesizing microorganisms that are at the basis of the marine food web and play an important role in Earth’s carbon cycle and climate. A merged, multi-sensor satellite data set and the model scientific code are provided.
André Valente, Shubha Sathyendranath, Vanda Brotas, Steve Groom, Michael Grant, Thomas Jackson, Andrei Chuprin, Malcolm Taberner, Ruth Airs, David Antoine, Robert Arnone, William M. Balch, Kathryn Barker, Ray Barlow, Simon Bélanger, Jean-François Berthon, Şükrü Beşiktepe, Yngve Borsheim, Astrid Bracher, Vittorio Brando, Robert J. W. Brewin, Elisabetta Canuti, Francisco P. Chavez, Andrés Cianca, Hervé Claustre, Lesley Clementson, Richard Crout, Afonso Ferreira, Scott Freeman, Robert Frouin, Carlos García-Soto, Stuart W. Gibb, Ralf Goericke, Richard Gould, Nathalie Guillocheau, Stanford B. Hooker, Chuamin Hu, Mati Kahru, Milton Kampel, Holger Klein, Susanne Kratzer, Raphael Kudela, Jesus Ledesma, Steven Lohrenz, Hubert Loisel, Antonio Mannino, Victor Martinez-Vicente, Patricia Matrai, David McKee, Brian G. Mitchell, Tiffany Moisan, Enrique Montes, Frank Muller-Karger, Aimee Neeley, Michael Novak, Leonie O'Dowd, Michael Ondrusek, Trevor Platt, Alex J. Poulton, Michel Repecaud, Rüdiger Röttgers, Thomas Schroeder, Timothy Smyth, Denise Smythe-Wright, Heidi M. Sosik, Crystal Thomas, Rob Thomas, Gavin Tilstone, Andreia Tracana, Michael Twardowski, Vincenzo Vellucci, Kenneth Voss, Jeremy Werdell, Marcel Wernand, Bozena Wojtasiewicz, Simon Wright, and Giuseppe Zibordi
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 5737–5770, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5737-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5737-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A compiled set of in situ data is vital to evaluate the quality of ocean-colour satellite data records. Here we describe the global compilation of bio-optical in situ data (spanning from 1997 to 2021) used for the validation of the ocean-colour products from the ESA Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI). The compilation merges and harmonizes several in situ data sources into a simple format that could be used directly for the evaluation of satellite-derived ocean-colour data.
Marie Barbieux, Julia Uitz, Alexandre Mignot, Collin Roesler, Hervé Claustre, Bernard Gentili, Vincent Taillandier, Fabrizio D'Ortenzio, Hubert Loisel, Antoine Poteau, Edouard Leymarie, Christophe Penkerc'h, Catherine Schmechtig, and Annick Bricaud
Biogeosciences, 19, 1165–1194, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1165-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1165-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This study assesses marine biological production in two Mediterranean systems representative of vast desert-like (oligotrophic) areas encountered in the global ocean. We use a novel approach based on non-intrusive high-frequency in situ measurements by two profiling robots, the BioGeoChemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) floats. Our results indicate substantial yet variable production rates and contribution to the whole water column of the subsurface layer, typically considered steady and non-productive.
Philippe Massicotte, Rainer M. W. Amon, David Antoine, Philippe Archambault, Sergio Balzano, Simon Bélanger, Ronald Benner, Dominique Boeuf, Annick Bricaud, Flavienne Bruyant, Gwenaëlle Chaillou, Malik Chami, Bruno Charrière, Jing Chen, Hervé Claustre, Pierre Coupel, Nicole Delsaut, David Doxaran, Jens Ehn, Cédric Fichot, Marie-Hélène Forget, Pingqing Fu, Jonathan Gagnon, Nicole Garcia, Beat Gasser, Jean-François Ghiglione, Gaby Gorsky, Michel Gosselin, Priscillia Gourvil, Yves Gratton, Pascal Guillot, Hermann J. Heipieper, Serge Heussner, Stanford B. Hooker, Yannick Huot, Christian Jeanthon, Wade Jeffrey, Fabien Joux, Kimitaka Kawamura, Bruno Lansard, Edouard Leymarie, Heike Link, Connie Lovejoy, Claudie Marec, Dominique Marie, Johannie Martin, Jacobo Martín, Guillaume Massé, Atsushi Matsuoka, Vanessa McKague, Alexandre Mignot, William L. Miller, Juan-Carlos Miquel, Alfonso Mucci, Kaori Ono, Eva Ortega-Retuerta, Christos Panagiotopoulos, Tim Papakyriakou, Marc Picheral, Louis Prieur, Patrick Raimbault, Joséphine Ras, Rick A. Reynolds, André Rochon, Jean-François Rontani, Catherine Schmechtig, Sabine Schmidt, Richard Sempéré, Yuan Shen, Guisheng Song, Dariusz Stramski, Eri Tachibana, Alexandre Thirouard, Imma Tolosa, Jean-Éric Tremblay, Mickael Vaïtilingom, Daniel Vaulot, Frédéric Vaultier, John K. Volkman, Huixiang Xie, Guangming Zheng, and Marcel Babin
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 1561–1592, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-1561-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-1561-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The MALINA oceanographic expedition was conducted in the Mackenzie River and the Beaufort Sea systems. The sampling was performed across seven shelf–basin transects to capture the meridional gradient between the estuary and the open ocean. The main goal of this research program was to better understand how processes such as primary production are influencing the fate of organic matter originating from the surrounding terrestrial landscape during its transition toward the Arctic Ocean.
Cited articles
Allison, D. B., Stramski, D., and Mitchell, B. G.: Empirical ocean color algorithms for estimating particulate organic carbon in the Southern Ocean, J. Geophys. Res., 115, C10044, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JC006040, 2010.
Arrigo, K. R.: Impacts of climate on ecosystems and chemistry of the Arctic Pacific environment (ICESCAPE), Deep-Sea Res. Pt. II, 118, 1–6, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2015.06.007, 2015.
Babin, M., Morel, A., Fournier-Sicre, V., Fell, F., and Stramski, D.: Light scattering properties of marine particles in coastal and open ocean waters as related to the particle mass concentration, Limnol. Oceanogr., 48, 843–859, https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2003.48.2.0843, 2003a.
Babin, M., Stramski, D., Ferrari, G. M., Claustre, H., Bricaud, A., Obolensky, G., and Hoepffner, N.: Variations in the light absorption coefficients of phytoplankton, nonalgal particles, and dissolved organic matter in coastal waters around Europe, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 108, 3211, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001JC000882, 2003b.
Barbieux, M., Uitz, J., Mignot, A., Roesler, C., Claustre, H., Gentili, B., Taillandier, V., D'Ortenzio, F., Loisel, H., Poteau, A., Leymarie, E., Penkerc'h, C., Schmechtig, C., and Bricaud, A.: Biological production in two contrasted regions of the Mediterranean Sea during the oligotrophic period: an estimate based on the diel cycle of optical properties measured by BioGeoChemical-Argo profiling floats, Biogeosciences, 19, 1165–1194, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1165-2022, 2022.
Bauer, J. E., Cai, W. J., Raymond, P. A., Bianchi, T. S., Hopkinson, C. S., and Regnier, P. A.: The changing carbon cycle of the coastal ocean, Nature, 504, 61–70, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12857, 2013.
Berthon, J. F., Shybanov, E., Lee, M., and Zibordi, G.: Measurements and modeling of the volume scattering function in the coastal northern Adriatic Sea, Appl. Optics, 46, 5189–5203, https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.46.005189, 2007.
Bishop, J. K.: Transmissometer measurement of POC, Deep-Sea Res. Pt. I, 46, 353–369, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0967-0637(98)00069-7, 1999.
Bishop, J. K. and Wood, T. J.: Particulate matter chemistry and dynamics in the twilight zone at VERTIGO ALOHA and K2 sites, Deep-Sea Res. Pt. I, 55, 1684–1706, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2008.07.012, 2008.
Bonelli, A. G., Vantrepotte, V., Jorge, D. S. F., Demaria, J., Jamet, C., Dessailly, D., Mangin, A., d'Andon, O. F., Kwiatkowska, E., and Loisel, H.: Colored dissolved organic matter absorption at global scale from ocean color radiometry observation: Spatio-temporal variability and contribution to the absorption budget, Remote Sens. Environ., 265, 112637, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2021.112637, 2021.
Bonelli, A. G., Loisel, H., Jorge, D. S., Mangin, A., d'Andon, O. F., and Vantrepotte, V.: A new method to estimate the dissolved organic carbon concentration from remote sensing in the global open ocean, Remote Sens. Environ., 281, 113227, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2022.113227, 2022.
Bricaud, A., Babin, M., Claustre, H., Ras, J., and Tièche, F.: Light absorption properties and absorption budget of Southeast Pacific waters, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 115, C08009, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JC005517, 2010.
Briggs, N., Perry, M. J., Cetinić, I., Lee, C., D'Asaro, E., Gray, A. M., and Rehm, E.: High-resolution observations of aggregate flux during a sub-polar North Atlantic spring bloom, Deep-Sea Res. Pt. I, 58, 1031–1039, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2011.07.007, 2011.
Capone, D. G., Burns, J. A., Montoya, J. P., Subramaniam, A., Mahaffey, C., Gunderson, T., Michaels A. F., and Carpenter, E.: Nitrogen fixation by Trichodesmium spp.: An important source of new nitrogen to the tropical and subtropical North Atlantic Ocean, Global Biogeochem. Cycles, 19, GB2024, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004GB002331, 2005.
Casey, K. A., Rousseaux, C. S., Gregg, W. W., Boss, E., Chase, A. P., Craig, S. E., Mouw, C. B., Reynolds, R. A., Stramski, D., Ackleson, S. G., Bricaud, A., Schaeffer, B., Lewis, M. R., and Maritorena, S.: In situ high spectral resolution inherent and apparent optical property data from diverse aquatic environments, PANGAEA [data set], https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.902230, 2019.
Casey, K. A., Rousseaux, C. S., Gregg, W. W., Boss, E., Chase, A. P., Craig, S. E., Mouw, C. B., Reynolds, R. A., Stramski, D., Ackleson, S. G., Bricaud, A., Schaeffer, B., Lewis, M. R., and Maritorena, S.: A global compilation of in situ aquatic high spectral resolution inherent and apparent optical property data for remote sensing applications, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12, 1123–1139, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-1123-2020, 2020.
Cetinić, I., Perry, M. J., Briggs, N. T., Kallin, E., D'Asaro, E. A., and Lee, C. M.: Particulate organic carbon and inherent optical properties during 2008 North Atlantic Bloom Experiment, J. Geophys. Res., 117, C06028, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JC007771, 2012.
Claustre, H., Morel, A., Babin, M., Cailliau, C., Marie, D., Marty, J. C., Tailliez, D., and Vaulot, D.: Variability in particle attenuation and chlorophyll fluorescence in the tropical Pacific: Scales, patterns, and biogeochemical implications, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 104, 3401–3422, https://doi.org/10.1029/98JC01334, 1999.
Claustre, H., Huot, Y., Obernosterer, I., Gentili, B., Tailliez, D., and Lewis, M.: Gross community production and metabolic balance in the South Pacific Gyre, using a non intrusive bio-optical method, Biogeosciences, 5, 463–474, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-5-463-2008, 2008.
Copin-Montegut, C. and Copin-Montegut, G.: Stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in marine particulate matter, Deep-Sea Res. Pt. A, 30, 31–46, https://doi.org/10.1016/0198-0149(83)90031-6, 1983.
Dauby, P., Frankignoulle, M., Gobert, S., and Bouquegneau, J. M.: Distribution of poc, pon, and particulate al, cd, cr, cu, pb, ti, zn and delta-c-13 in the english-channel and adjacent areas, Oceanol. Acta, 17, 643–657, 1994.
Diaz, F., Raimbault, P., Boudjellal, B., Garcia, N., and Moutin, T.: Early spring phosphorus limitation of primary productivity in a NW Mediterranean coastal zone (Gulf of Lions), Marine Ecol. Prog. Ser., 211, 51–62, https://doi.org/10.3354/meps211051, 2001.
Doxaran, D., Leymarie, E., Nechad, B., Dogliotti, A., Ruddick, K., Gernez, P., and Knaeps, E.: Improved correction methods for field measurements of particulate light backscattering in turbid waters, Optics Express, 24, 3615–3637, https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.24.003615, 2016.
Duforêt-Gaurier, L., Loisel, H., Dessailly, D., Nordkvist, K., and Alvain, S.: Estimates of particulate organic carbon over the euphotic depth from in situ measurements: Application to satellite data over the global ocean, Deep-Sea Res. Pt. I, 57, 351–367, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2009.12.007, 2010.
Dugdale, R. C. Menzel, D. W., and Ryther, J.: Nitrogen fixation in the Sargasso Sea, Deep-Sea Res., 7, 298–300, https://doi.org/10.1016/0146-6313(61)90051-X, 1961.
Engel, A., Meyerhöfer, M., and von Bröckel, K.: Chemical and biological composition of suspended particles and aggregates in the Baltic Sea in summer (1999), Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci., 55, 729–741, https://doi.org/10.1006/ecss.2001.0927, 2002.
Eppley, R. W., Harrison, W. G., Chisholm, S. W., and Stewart, E.: Particulate organic matter in surface waters off Southern California and its relationship to phytoplankton, J. Marine Res., 35, 671–696, 1977.
Eppley, R. W., Renger, E. H., and Betzer, P. R.: The residence time of particulate organic carbon in the surface layer of the ocean, Deep-Sea Res. Pt. A, 30, 311–323, https://doi.org/10.1016/0198-0149(83)90013-4, 1983.
Faganeli, J., Gačić, M., Malej, A., and Smodlaka, N.: Pelagic organic matter in the Adriatic Sea in relation to winter hydrographic conditions, J. Plankton Res., 11, 1129–1141, https://doi.org/10.1093/plankt/11.6.1129, 1989.
Falkowski, P. G.: Rationalizing elemental ratios in unicellular algae, J. Phycol., 36, 1–3, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8817.2000.99161.x, 2000.
Ferrari, G. M. and Tassan, S.: A method using chemical oxidation to remove light absorption by phytoplankton pigments, J. Phycol., 35, 1090–1098, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.3551090.x, 1999.
Ferrari, G. M., Bo, F. G., and Babin, M.: Geo-chemical and optical characterizations of suspended matter in European coastal waters, Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci., 57, 17–24, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-7714(02)00314-1, 2003.
Fumenia, A., Petrenko, A., Loisel, H., Djaoudi, K., DeVerneil, A., and Moutin, T.: Optical proxy for particulate organic nitrogen from BGC-Argo floats, Optics Express, 28, 21391–21406, https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.395648, 2020.
Gardner, W. D., Mishonov, A. V., and Richardson, M. J.: Global POC concentrations from in-situ and satellite data, Deep-Sea Res. Pt. II, 53, 718–740, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2006.01.029, 2006.
Geider, R. J. and La Roche, J.: Redfield revisited: variability of
INSU/CNRS: French INSU/CNRS LEFE-CYBER database, scientific coordinator: Claustre, H., data manager and webmaster: Schmechtig, C., http://www.obs-vlfr.fr/proof/index_vt.htm, last access: 3 November 2021.
JAMSTEC: R/V MIRAI MR17-05C Cruise Data, JAMSTEC [data set], https://doi.org/10.17596/0001879, 2017.
Johnsen, S., Gassmann, E., Reynolds, R. A., Stramski, D., and Mobley, C.: The asymmetry of the underwater horizontal light field and its implications for mirror-based camouflage in silvery pelagic fish, Limnol. Oceanogr., 59, 1839–1852, https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2014.59.6.1839, 2014.
Jorge, D. S. F., Loisel, H., Jamet, C., Dessailly, D., Demaria, J., Bricaud, A., Maritorena, S., Zhang, X., Antoine, D., Kutser, T., Bélanger, S., Brando, V., Werdell, J., Kwiatkowska, E., Mangin, A., and d'Andon, O. F.: A three-step semi analytical algorithm (3SAA) for estimating inherent optical properties over oceanic, coastal, and inland waters from remote sensing reflectance, Remote Sens. Environ., 263, 112537, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2021.112537, 2021.
Karl, D., Michaels, A., Bergman, B., Capone, D., Carpenter, E., Letelier, R., Lipschultz, F., Paerl, H., Sigman, D., and Stal, L.: Dinitrogen ?xation in the world's oceans, Biogeochemistry, 58, 47–98, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015798105851, 2002.
Kehrli, M. D., Stramski, D., Reynolds, R. A., and Joshi, I. D.: Model for partitioning the non-phytoplankton absorption coefficient of seawater in the ultraviolet and visible spectral range into the contributions of non-algal particulate and dissolved organic matter, Appl. Optics, 63, 4252–4270, https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.517706, 2024.
Kermack, K. A. and Haldane, J. B. S.: Organic correlation and allometry, Biometrika, 37, 30–41, https://doi.org/10.2307/2332144, 1950.
Kharbush, J. J., Close, H. G., Van Mooy, B. A. S., Arnosti, C., Smittenberg, R. H., Le Moigne, F. A. C., Mollenhauer, G., Scholz-Böttcher, B., Obreht, I., Becker, K. W., Iversen, M. H., and Mohr, W.: Particulate Organic Carbon Deconstructed: Molecular and Chemical Composition of Particulate Organic Carbon in the Ocean, Front. Marine Sci., 7, 518, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00518, 2020.
Kheireddine, M., Dall'Olmo, G., Ouhssain, M., Krokos, G., Claustre, H., Schmechtig, C., Poteau, A., Zhan, P., Ibrahim, H., and Jones, B. H.: Organic carbon export and loss rates in the Red Sea, Global Biogeochem. Cycles, 34, e2020GB006650, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GB006650, 2020.
Kishino, M., Takahashi, M., Okami, N., and Ichimura, S.: Estimation of the spectral absorption coefficients of phytoplankton in the sea, B. Marine Sci., 37, 634–642, 1985.
Knap, A., Michaels, A., Close, A., Ducklow, H., and Dickson, A.: Protocols for the Joint Global Ocean Flux studies (JGOFS) core measurements, JGOFS Rep. 19, JGOFS Core Proj. Off., Bergen, Norway, Reprint of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Manuals and Guides, no. 29, 170 pp., UNESCO, Paris, 1996.
Koestner, D., Stramski, D., and Reynolds, R. A.: A multivariable empirical algorithm for estimating particulate organic carbon concentration in marine environments from optical backscattering and chlorophyll-a measurements, Front. Marine Sci., 9, 941950, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.941950, 2022.
Koestner, D., Stramski, D., and Reynolds, R. A.: Improved multivariable algorithms for estimating oceanic particulate organic carbon concentration from optical backscattering and chlorophyll-a measurements, Front. Marine Sci., 10, 1197953, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1197953, 2024.
Kong, C. E., Sathyendranath, S., Jackson, T., Stramski, D., Brewin, R. J., Kulk, G., Jönsson, B. F., Loisel, H., Galí, M., and Le, C.: Comparison of ocean-colour algorithms for particulate organic carbon in global ocean, Front. Marine Sci., 11, 1309050, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1309050, 2024.
Körtzinger, A., Koeve, W., Kähler, P., and Mintrop, L.: C:N ratios in the mixed layer during the productive season in the northeast Atlantic Ocean, Deep-Sea Res. Pt. I, 48, 661–688, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0967-0637(00)00051-0, 2001.
Legendre, P., and Legendre, L.: Numerical ecology, 24, Elsevier, ISBN 978-0-444-53868-0, 2012.
Legendre, L. and Michaud, J.: Chlorophyll a to estimate the particulate organic carbon available as food to large zooplankton in the euphotic zone of oceans, J. Plankton Res., 21, 2067–2083, https://doi.org/10.1093/plankt/21.11.2067, 1999.
Liu, Q., Liang, Y., Cai, W. J., Wang, K., Wang, J., and Yin, K.: Changing riverine organic C:N ratios along the Pearl River: Implications for estuarine and coastal carbon cycles, Sci. Total Environ., 709, 136052, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136052, 2020.
Loisel, H. and Morel, A.: Light scattering and chlorophyll concentration in case 1 waters: A reexamination, Limnol. Oceanogr., 43, 847–858, https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1998.43.5.0847, 1998.
Loisel, H. and Stramski, D.: Estimation of the inherent optical properties of natural waters from the irradiance attenuation coefficient and reflectance in the presence of Raman scattering, Appl. Optics, 39, 3001–3011, https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.39.003001, 2000.
Loisel, H., Bosc, E., Stramski, D., Oubelkheir, K., and Deschamps, P. Y.: Seasonal variability of the backscattering coefficient in the Mediterranean Sea based on satellite SeaWiFS imagery, Geophys. Res. Lett., 28, 4203–4206, https://doi.org/10.1029/2001GL013863, 2001a.
Loisel, H., Stramski, D., Mitchell, B. G., Fell, F., Fournier-Sicre, V., Lemasle, B., and Babin, M.: Comparison of the ocean inherent optical properties obtained from measurements and inverse modelling, Appl. Optics, 40, 2384–2397, https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.40.002384, 2001b.
Loisel, H., Nicolas, J. M., Deschamps, P. Y., and Frouin, R.: Seasonal and inter-annual variability of particulate organic matter in the global ocean, Geophys. Res. Lett., 29, 2196, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002GL015948, 2002.
Loisel, H., Vantrepotte, V., Norkvist, K., Mériaux, X., Kheireddine, M., Ras, J., Pujo-Pay, M., Combet, Y., Leblanc, K., Dall'Olmo, G., Mauriac, R., Dessailly, D., and Moutin, T.: Characterization of the bio-optical anomaly and diurnal variability of particulate matter, as seen from scattering and backscattering coefficients, in ultra-oligotrophic eddies of the Mediterranean Sea, Biogeosciences, 8, 3295–3317, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-8-3295-2011, 2011.
Loisel, H., Stramski, D., Dessailly, D., Jamet, C., Li, L., and Reynolds, R. A.: An inverse model for estimating the optical absorption and backscattering coefficients of seawater from remote-sensing reflectance over a broad range of oceanic and coastal marine environments, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 123, 2141–2171, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JC013632, 2018.
Loisel, H., Duforêt-Gaurier, L., Tran, T. K., Jorge, D., Steinmetz, F., Mangin, A., Bretagnon, M., and d'Andon, O. F.: Characterization of the organic vs. inorganic fraction of suspended particulate matter in coastal waters based on ocean color radiometry remote sensing, in: 7th edition of the Copernicus Ocean State Report (OSR7), edited by: von Schuckmann, K., Moreira, L., Le Traon, P.-Y., Grégoire, M., Marcos, M., Staneva, J., Brasseur, P., Garric, G., Lionello, P., Karstensen, J., and Neukermans, G., Copernicus Publications, State Planet, 1-osr7, 11, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-1-osr7-11-2023, 2023.
Lubac, B. and Loisel, H.: Variability and classification of remote sensing reflectance spectra in the eastern English Channel and southern North Sea, Remote Sens. Environ., 110, 45–58, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2007.02.012, 2007.
Marra, J., Langdon, C., and Knudson, C. A.: Primary production, water column changes, and the demise of a Phaeocystis bloom at the Marine Light-Mixed Layers site (59° N, 21° W) in the northeast Atlantic Ocean, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 100, 6633–6643, https://doi.org/10.1029/94JC01127, 1995.
Martiny, A. C., Vrugt, J. A., Primeau, F. W., and Lomas, M. W.: Regional variation in the particulate organic carbon to nitrogen ratio in the surface ocean, Global Biogeochem. Cycles, 27, 723–731, https://doi.org/10.1002/gbc.20061, 2013.
Massicotte, P., Babin, M., Fell, F., Fournier-Sicre, V., and Doxaran, D.: The Coastal Surveillance Through Observation of Ocean Color (COASTℓOOC) dataset, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 3529–3545, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-3529-2023, 2023a.
Massicotte, P., Babin, M., Fell, F., Fournier-Sicre, V., and Doxaran, D.: The COASTlOOC dataset, SEANOE [data set], https://doi.org/10.17882/93570, 2023b.
McArdle, B. H.: The structural relationship: regression in biology, Canadian J. Zoolog., 66, 2329–2339, https://doi.org/10.1139/z88-348, 1988.
Morel, A. and Ahn, Y. H.: Optics of heterotrophic nanoflagellates and ciliates: A tentative assessment of their scattering role in oceanic waters compared to those of bacterial and algal cells, J. Marine Res., 49, 177–202, 1991.
Morley, S. K., Brito, T. V., and Welling, D. T.: Measures of model performance based on the log accuracy ratio, Space Weather, 16, 69–88, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017SW001669, 2018.
Neukermans, G., Loisel, H., Mériaux, X., Astoreca, R., and McKee, D.: In situ variability of mass-specific beam attenuation and backscattering of marine particles with respect to particle size, density, and composition, Limnol. Oceanogr., 57, 124–144, https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2012.57.1.0124, 2012.
Qiu, G., Xing, X., Boss, E., Yan, X. H., Ren, R., Xiao, W., and Wang, H.: Relationships between optical backscattering, particulate organic carbon, and phytoplankton carbon in the oligotrophic South China Sea basin, Optics Express, 29, 15159–15176, https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.422671, 2021.
Rasse, R., Dall'Olmo, G., Graff, J., Westberry, T. K., van Dongen-Vogels, V., and Behrenfeld, M. J.: Evaluating optical proxies of particulate organic carbon across the surface Atlantic Ocean, Front. Marine Sci., 4, 367, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00367, 2017.
Redfield, A. C.: On the proportions of organic derivatives in sea water and their relation to the composition of plankton, in: James Johnstone Memorial Volume, edited by: Daniel, R. J., 176–192, University of Liverpool, 1934.
Redfield, A. C., Ketchum, B. H., and Richards, F. A.: The influence of organisms on the composition of seawater, The Sea, 2, 26–77, 1963.
Reynolds, R. A. and Stramski, D.: ICESCAPE, SeaWiFS Bio-optical Archive and Storage System (SeaBASS), NASA [data set], https://doi.org/10.5067/SeaBASS/ICESCAPE/DATA001 (last access: 12 September 2013), 2010.
Reynolds, R. A. and Stramski, D.: Optical characterization of marine phytoplankton assemblages within surface waters of the western Arctic Ocean, Limnol. Oceanogr., 64, 2478–2496, https://doi.org/10.1002/lno.11199, 2019.
Reynolds, R. A. and Stramski, D.: Variability in oceanic particle size distributions and estimation of size class contributions using a non-parametric approach, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 126, e2021JC017496, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JC017946, 2021.
Reynolds, R. A., Stramski, D., and Neukermans, G.: Optical backscattering by particles in Arctic seawater and relationships to particle mass concentration, size distribution, and bulk composition, Limnol. Oceanogr., 61, 1869–1890, https://doi.org/10.1002/lno.10341, 2016.
Riley, G. A., Russell, F. S., and Yonge, M. (Eds.): Particulate organic matter in sea water, in: Advances in Marine Biology, 8, 1–118, Academic Press, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2881(08)60491-5, 1971.
Roesler, C., Stramski, D., D'Sa, E. J., Röttgers, R., Reynolds, R. A., Neeley, A. R., and Mannino, A. (Eds.): Chapter 5: Spectrophotometric Measurements of Particulate Absorption Using Filter Pads, in: Ocean Optics & Biogeochemistry Protocols for Satellite Ocean Colour Sensor Validation. Volume 1: Inherent Optical Property Measurements and Protocols: Absorption Coefficient (vl.O), IOCCG Protocol Series, IOCCG, Darthmouth, Canada, 50–73, https://doi.org/10.25607/OBP-119, 2018.
Shiozaki, T., Ijichi, M., Fujiwara, A., Makabe, A., Nishino, S., Yoshikawa, C., and Harada, N.: Factors regulating nitrification in the Arctic Ocean: potential impact of sea ice reduction and ocean acidification, Global Biogeochem. Cycles, 33, 1085–1099, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GB006068, 2019.
Sokal, R. R. and Rohlf, F. J.: The Principles and Practice of Statistics in Biological Research, Biometry, 3rd edn. Freeman, New York, 1995.
Stramska, M. and Stramski, D.: Variability of particulate organic carbon concentration in the north polar Atlantic based on ocean color observations with Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS), J. Geophys. Res., 110, C10018, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004JC002762, 2005.
Stramski, D., Reynolds, R. A., Kahru, M., and Mitchell, B. G.: Estimation of particulate organic carbon in the ocean from satellite remote sensing, Science, 285, 239–242, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.285.5425.239, 1999.
Stramski, D., Boss, E., Bogucki, D., and Voss, K. J.: The role of seawater constituents in light backscattering in the ocean, Prog. Oceanogr., 61, 27–56, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2004.07.001, 2004.
Stramski, D., Reynolds, R. A., Babin, M., Kaczmarek, S., Lewis, M. R., Röttgers, R., Sciandra, A., Stramska, M., Twardowski, M. S., Franz, B. A., and Claustre, H.: Relationships between the surface concentration of particulate organic carbon and optical properties in the eastern South Pacific and eastern Atlantic Oceans, Biogeosciences, 5, 171–201, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-5-171-2008, 2008.
Stramski, D., Reynolds, R. A., Kaczmarek, S., Uitz, J., and Zheng, G.: Correction of pathlength amplification in the filter-pad technique for measurements of particulate absorption coefficient in the visible spectral region, Appl. Optics, 54, 6763–6782, https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.54.006763, 2015.
Stramski, D., Joshi, I., and Reynolds, R. A.: Ocean color algorithms to estimate the concentration of particulate organic carbon in surface waters of the global ocean in support of a long-term data record from multiple satellite missions, Remote Sens. Environ., 269, 112776, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2021.112776, 2022.
Stramski, D., Constantin, S., and Reynolds. R. A.: Adaptive optical algorithms with differentiation of water bodies based on varying composition of suspended particulate matter: A case study for estimating the particulate organic carbon concentration in the western Arctic seas, Remote Sens. Environ., 286, 113360, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2022.113360, 2023.
Sullivan, J. M., Twardowski, M. S., Zaneveld, J. R. V., and Moore, C. C.: Measuring optical backscattering in water, in: Light Scattering Review 7: Radiative Transfer and Optical Properties of Atmosphere and Underlying Surface, edited by: Kokhanovsky, A., Springer-Verlag, 2013.
They, N. H., Amado, A. M., and Cotner, J. B.: Redfield ratios in inland waters: higher biological control of C: N: P ratios in tropical semi-arid high water residence time lakes, Front. Microbiol., 8, 1505, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.01505, 2017.
Tran, T. K., Duforêt-Gaurier, L., Vantrepotte, V., Jorge, D. S. F., Mériaux, X., Cauvin, A., d'Andon, O. F., and Loisel, H.: Deriving particulate organic carbon in coastal waters from remote sensing: Inter-comparison exercise and development of a maximum band-ratio approach, Remote Sens., 11, 2849, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11232849, 2019.
Uitz, J., Stramski, D., Reynolds, R. A., and Dubranna, J.: Assessing phytoplankton community composition from hyperspectral measurements of phytoplankton absorption coefficient and remote-sensing reflectance in open-ocean environments, Remote Sens. Environ., 171, 58–74, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2015.09.027, 2015.
Van der Linde, D. W.: Protocol for the determination of total suspended matter in oceans and coastal zones, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy, Technical Note I.98.182, 1998.
Verdugo, P., Alldredge, A. L., Azam, F., Kirchman, D. L., Passow, U., and Santschi, P. H.: The oceanic gel phase: a bridge in the DOM–POM continuum, Marine Chem., 92, 67–85, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marchem.2004.06.017, 2004.
Wang, Y., Liu, H., and Wu, G.: Satellite retrieval of oceanic particulate organic nitrogen concentration, Front. Marine Sci., 9, 943867, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.943867, 2022.
Weber, T. S. and Deutsch, C.: Ocean nutrient ratios governed by plankton biogeography, Nature, 467, 550–554, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09403, 2010.
White, A. E., Spitz, Y. H., Karl, D. M., and Letelier, R. M.: Flexible elemental stoichiometry in Trichodesmium spp. and its ecological implications, Limnol. Oceanogr., 51, 1777–1790, https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2006.51.4.1777, 2006.
Woźniak, S. B., Stramski, D., Stramska, M., Reynolds, R. A., Wright, V. M., Miksic, E. Y., Cochocka, M., and Cieplak, A. M.: Optical variability of seawater in relation to particle concentration, composition, and size distribution in the nearshore marine environment at Imperial Beach, California, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 115, C08027, https://doi.org/10.1029/2009JC005554, 2010.
Woźniak, S. B., Meler, J., Lednicka, B., Zdun, A., and Stoń-Egiert, J.: Inherent optical properties of suspended particulate matter in the southern Baltic Sea, Oceanologia, 53, 691–729, https://doi.org/10.5697/oc.53-3.691, 2011.
York, D.: Least-squares fitting of a straight line, Can. J. Phys., 44, 1079–1086, https://doi.org/10.1139/p66-090, 1966.
Zheng, G. and Stramski, D.: A model based on stacked-constraints approach for partitioning the light absorption coefficient of seawater into phytoplankton and non-phytoplankton components, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 118, 2155–2174, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrc.20115, 2013.
Short summary
Particulate organic nitrogen (PON) plays a central role in ocean biogeochemistry, yet limited in situ data hinder a full understanding of PON variability and associated processes. Measurements of optical properties offer an alternative for assessing PON across diverse marine environments. Our analysis reveals strong relationships between PON and optical properties, supporting a promising means to assess PON from optical measurements performed in situ or conducted from remote-sensing platforms.
Particulate organic nitrogen (PON) plays a central role in ocean biogeochemistry, yet limited in...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint