Articles | Volume 22, issue 13
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-3143-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-3143-2025
Research article
 | 
02 Jul 2025
Research article |  | 02 Jul 2025

Mismatch between coccolithophore-based estimates of particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) concentration and satellite-derived PIC concentration in the Pacific Southern Ocean

Mariem Saavedra-Pellitero, Karl-Heinz Baumann, Nuria Bachiller-Jareno, Harold Lovell, Nele Manon Vollmar, and Elisa Malinverno

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Cited articles

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. 
Bailey, S. W. and Werdell, P. J.: A multi-sensor approach for the on-orbit validation of ocean color satellite data products, Rem. Sens. Environ., 102, 12–23, 2006. 
Balch, W. M.: The Ecology, Biogeochemistry, and Optical Properties of Coccolithophores, Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci., 10, 71–98, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-marine-121916-063319, 2018. 
Balch, W. M., Holligan, P. M., Ackleson, S. G., and Voss, K. J.: Biological and optical properties of mesoscale coccolithophore blooms in the Gulf of Maine, Limnol. Oceanogr., 36, 629–643, https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1991.36.4.0629, 1991. 
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Short summary
This study combines micropaleontology and satellite remote sensing to investigate particulate inorganic carbon in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean. We compare estimates of calcium carbonate produced by coccolithophores (tiny marine algae) to satellite measurements of particulate inorganic carbon. Both datasets show good agreement north of the Polar Front, but large differences are observed to the south of it, likely because of highly reflective small opal particles in this zone. 
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