Ocean optics: Development of glider-based productivity analysis in BC waters using backscatter
Date
2025
Authors
Koopmans, Emily
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University Of Victoria
Abstract
The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide yet quantifying the processes that govern its carbon storage remains a challenge. The biological pump converts CO₂ into organic particles, some of which remain suspended while others sink, either individually or as larger aggregates. This sinking contributes to long-term carbon sequestration in the subsurface ocean. Measuring these particles is difficult, but optical backscatter offers a solution. We adapted a method for Argo floats to process optical data from ocean gliders, partitioning backscatter into three components: large aggregates, smaller particles, and instrument noise. Using a two-filter method, we isolated smaller particle scattering and estimated noise from deeper backscatter measurements. Data collected in offshore British Columbia waters by a Canadian-Pacific Robotic Ocean Observing Facility (C-PROOF) glider deployment, revealed regions of high productivity dominated by smaller particles, while others had large aggregates. Our method improves glider-based carbon cycle research and has broader applications across additional glider missions.
Description
Keywords
backscatter, optics, chemistry, oceanography, particles, photosynthesis