Publication Date:
2017-07-13
Description:
Since 2012, an array of 105 Biogeochemical (BGC) Argo floats has been deployed across the world’s oceans to fill the observational gap characterizing most of open-ocean environments. Profiles of biogeochemical (chlorophyll and fluorescent dissolved organic matter) and optical (single-wavelength particulate optical backscattering, downward irradiance at three wavelengths and photosynthetically available radiation) variables are collected in the upper 1000 m every 1 to 10 days. The global database of 9837 vertical profiles collected up to January 2016 is presented and its spatial and temporal coverage is discussed. Each variable is quality controlled with specifically-developed procedures and its time-series is quality-assessed to identify issues related to biofouling and/or instrumental drift. A second database of 5748 profile-derived products within the first optical depth (i.e. the layer of interest for satellite remote sensing) is also presented and its spatio-temporal distribution discussed. This database, devoted to field and remote ocean color applications, includes diffuse attenuation coefficients for downward irradiance at three narrow wavebands and one broad waveband (photosynthetically available radiation), calibrated chlorophyll and dissolved organic matter fluorescence, and single-wavelength particulate optical backscattering. To demonstrate the applicability of these global databases, data within the first optical depth are finally compared with previously established bio-optical models and used to validate remotely-derived bio-optical products. The quality-controlled databases are publicly available from SEANOE (SEA scieNtific Open data Edition) publisher at http://doi.org/10.17882/49388 and http://doi.org/10.17882/47142 for vertical profiles and products within the first optical depth, respectively.
Electronic ISSN:
1866-3591
Topics:
Geosciences