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Particulate Backscattering in the Global Ocean: A Comparison of Independent Assessments
Author(s) -
Bisson K. M.,
Boss E.,
Werdell P. J.,
Ibrahim A.,
Behrenfeld M. J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2020gl090909
Subject(s) - lidar , argo , ocean color , seawifs , environmental science , remote sensing , satellite , decorrelation , la niña , climatology , oceanography , geology , phytoplankton , physics , chemistry , organic chemistry , nutrient , el niño southern oscillation , algorithm , astronomy , computer science
Abstract How well do we know the particulate backscattering coefficient (b bp ) in the global ocean? Satellite lidar b bp has never been validated globally and few studies have compared lidar b bp to b bp derived from reflectances (via ocean color) or in situ observations. Here, we validate lidar b bp with autonomous biogeochemical Argo floats using a decorrelation analysis to identify relevant spatiotemporal matchup scales inspired by geographical variability in the Rossby radius of deformation. We compare lidar, float, and ocean color b bp at the same locations and times to assess performance. Lidar b bp outperforms ocean color, with a median percent error of 18% compared to 24% in the best case and a relative bias of −11% compared to −21%, respectively. Phytoplankton carbon calculated from ocean color and lidar exhibits basin‐scale differences that can reach ±50%.