Biogeochemical Cycles

the ocean contains the largest active pool of carbon near the surface of the Earth. Important carbon-related processes include exchange of CO2 with the atmosphere through the sea surface; conversion of CO2 into organic carbon by phytoplankton photosynthesis in the sunlit upper layers; and sequestration of carbon into the deeper aphotic zone, either by settling of particulate matter or by diffusive or advective transport of carbon in organic or inorganic form. An inorganic long-term cycle driven by water alkalinity and the formation of calcium carbonate is also a component of the overall oceanic carbon cycle. In this domain, satellite ocean colour radiometry has emerged as an essential tool to understanding and quantifying several aspects of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon as well as other elements.

HOEPFFNER Nicolas;  MELIN Frederic;  DOWELL Mark;  MARRA John;  SAINO Toshiro;  WILSON Cara; 

2009-06-24

International Ocean-Colour Coordinating Group (IOCCG)

JRC51556

1098-6030,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC51556,