Mitchell, Brian (Greg): Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Project Lead)
Benitez-Nelson, Claudia: University of South Carolina (Institution Lead)
Project Funding:
2011 - 2014
NRA: 2009 NASA: Ocean Biology and Biogeochemistry
Funded by NASA
Abstract:
We propose to collect optical, biomass (C,N, pigment), mineral mass (lithogenic and biogenic) and primary production data during field campaigns to the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas during the summer 2010 and 2011. We will also synthesize prior dates sets (ours and others), and use the integrated data in development of models for satellite retrieval of chl-a, optical properties and net primary production (NPP) in the Arctic Ocean. Methods will conform to NASA ocean optics protocols, JGOFS and other community-specified methods. We seek to understand the dynamics of bio-optical properties (sources and sinks) in the Arctic region as related to environmental forcing including: (i) mixing and stratification; (ii) riverine delivery of nutrients, colored dissolved and particulate organic matter and mineral particle size and type; (iii) sea ice thickness and coverage; (iv) light (seasonal and cloud influences); and (v) winds. These factors will all affect phytoplankton community structure, primary production and dynamics of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The integrated data set of new
and synthesized optical and biogeochemical data will be used to refine satellite algorithms and forward models for the Arctic Ocean. Improved satellite algorithms will be applied to generate accurate (validated) time-series of chl-a, pigments, minerals, CDOM and NPP. We will explore correlations with environmental forcing (arctic oscillation index, winds, stratification, sea ice, river flow, sediment re-suspension, etc.) to elucidate mechanisms that govern the seasonal cycle and spatial patterns of inter-annual and climate-related dynamics (time-space-climate related variability) of optical and biogeochemical variables. By basing bio-optical and process models on the fundamental variables in the governing equations of ocean spectral reflectance and primary production, we will contribute to improved accuracy of large-scale estimates of satellite biogeochemical variables essential for data assimilation ecosystem models, and for baselines of validated ocean color retrievals that can be used to quantify future changes.
Publications:
Lewis, K. M., Mitchell, B. G., van Dijken, G. L., Arrigo, K. R. 2016. Regional chlorophyll a algorithms in the Arctic Ocean and their effect on satellite-derived primary production estimates. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. 130, 14-27. DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2016.04.020
Arrigo, K. R., Perovich, D. K., Pickart, R. S., Brown, Z. W., van Dijken, G. L., Lowry, K. E., Mills, M. M., Palmer, M. A., Balch, W. M., Bahr, F., Bates, N. R., Benitez-Nelson, C., Bowler, B., Brownlee, E., Ehn, J. K., Frey, K. E., Garley, R., Laney, S. R., Lubelczyk, L., Mathis, J., Matsuoka, A., Mitchell, B. G., Moore, G. W. K., Ortega-Retuerta, E., Pal, S., Polashenski, C. M., Reynolds, R. A., Schieber, B., Sosik, H. M., Stephens, M., Swift, J. H. 2012. Massive Phytoplankton Blooms Under Arctic Sea Ice. Science. 336(6087), 1408-1408. DOI: 10.1126/science.1215065
KAHRU, M., BROTAS, V., MANZANO-SARABIA, M., MITCHELL, B. G. 2010. Are phytoplankton blooms occurring earlier in the Arctic? Global Change Biology. 17(4), 1733-1739. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2010.02312.x
Matsuoka, A., Babin, M., Doxaran, D., Hooker, S. B., Mitchell, B. G., Belanger, S., Bricaud, A. 2014. A synthesis of light absorption properties of the Arctic Ocean: application to semianalytical estimates of dissolved organic carbon concentrations from space. Biogeosciences. 11(12), 3131-3147. DOI: 10.5194/bg-11-3131-2014
Palmer, M. A., van Dijken, G. L., Mitchell, B. G., Seegers, B. J., Lowry, K. E., Mills, M. M., Arrigo, K. R. 2013. Light and nutrient control of photosynthesis in natural phytoplankton populations from the Chukchi and Beaufort seas, Arctic Ocean. Limnology and Oceanography. 58(6), 2185-2205. DOI: 10.4319/lo.2013.58.6.2185
More details may be found in the following project profile(s):
