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.
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.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
17 Sep 2025
Research article |
| 17 Sep 2025
| 17 Sep 2025
On the challenges of retrieving phytoplankton properties from remote-sensing observations
Ocean Sciences Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz, USA
Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, USA
Robert J. Frouin
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, USA
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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.
Satellites monitor ocean health globally, but we discovered a fundamental physics limitation...
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