Articles | Volume 23, issue 6
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-2179-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-2179-2026
Research article
 | 
31 Mar 2026
Research article |  | 31 Mar 2026

Estimating particulate organic matter flux from in-situ optics: A framework for correcting for suspended particles and incorporating depth-dependent degradation

Nasrollah Moradi, Lili Hufnagel, Simon Ramondenc, Clara M. Flintrop, Rainer Kiko, Tim Fischer, Helena Hauss, Arne Körtzinger, Gerhard Fischer, and Morten H. Iversen

Data sets

The global marine particle size distribution dataset obtained with the Underwater Vision Profiler 5 R. Kiko et al. https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.924375

Physical oceanography (CTD) during METEOR cruise M160 M. Dengler et al. https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.943432

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Short summary
The presented framework advances estimates of particulate organic carbon and nitrogen fluxes in the water column derived from in situ imaging-based particle size distribution data. By accounting for non-sinking particles, depth-dependent degradation, and a dynamic carbon-to-nitrogen ratio that evolves with particle age during settling, it provides a more accurate representation of organic matter export to the deep ocean.
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