Biogeosciences
Biogeosciences
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Articles | Volume 22, issue 18
Articles | Volume 22, issue 18
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-4705-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-4705-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 22, issue 18
Research article
 | 
17 Sep 2025
Research article |  | 17 Sep 2025

On the challenges of retrieving phytoplankton properties from remote-sensing observations

Jason Xavier Prochaska and Robert J. Frouin

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Latest update: 08 Jun 2026
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Short summary
Satellites monitor ocean health globally, but we discovered a fundamental physics limitation when measuring phytoplankton – tiny plants essential to marine ecosystems. Our analysis shows that even advanced satellites cannot reliably distinguish phytoplankton from other ocean components. This challenges decades of research and suggests that existing measurements have greater uncertainties than realized. Combining satellite data with direct ocean sampling is needed for better monitoring of these vital organisms.
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