Open AccessCalcium carbonate measurements in the surface global ocean based on Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data
Author(s) -
Balch W. M.,
Gordon Howard R.,
Bowler B. C.,
Drapeau D. T.,
Booth E. S.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: oceans
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2004jc002560
Subject(s) - radiance , pelagic zone , moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer , remote sensing , environmental science , satellite , spectroradiometer , ocean color , calcium carbonate , atmosphere (unit) , imaging spectrometer , photic zone , pelagic sediment , geology , atmospheric sciences , oceanography , spectrometer , meteorology , physics , chemistry , sedimentary rock , phytoplankton , reflectivity , organic chemistry , paleontology , astronomy , nutrient , optics , quantum mechanics
We describe a two‐band algorithm for the remote quantification of the ocean's suspended calcium carbonate (also known as particulate inorganic carbon (PIC)), based on normalized water‐leaving radiance at 440 and 550 nm. We tested this algorithm using ship‐derived and satellite‐derived results from a variety of marine environments. From this validation work we calculated the overall accuracy of the satellite‐based PIC estimates, assuming different timescales and space scales for binning. After performing the validation work we applied the two‐band algorithm to water‐leaving radiance data from 2002, sampled by Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)/Terra (a 36‐band satellite spectrometer designed to observe land, ocean, and atmosphere), and we derived seasonal, global maps of the standing stock of pelagic PIC as well as particulate organic carbon (POC). These data, along with limited observations on the turnover time of calcium carbonate coccoliths in the euphotic zone, provide some new insights into global rates of pelagic calcite production.