INTEGRATION OF NOVEL OPTICAL OBSERVATIONS IN CMEMS–BGC MODELS TO IMPROVE THE CMEMS BGC PRODUCTS
PI and organization: P. Lazzari (OGS)
Co-Is: G. Cossarini (OGS), S. Salon (OGS), C. Solidoro (OGS), F. D’Ortenzio (LOV), V. Vellucci (LOV)
Abstract: In this project we will develop a multi-spectral bio-optical model for the CMEMS MED-MFC biogeochemical model system to be integrated with optical data provided by novel observations platforms such as the BioGeoChemical Argo floats and the multi-spectral CMEMS satellite sensors. The aim is to improve the quality and reduce the uncertainty of paramount CMEMS biogeochemical products such as phytoplankton biomass and primary production. Moreover the new bio-optical model will allow the multi-platform data assimilation of radiometric optical measurements from satellite and BGC-Argo floats. This represents an important technical evolution that the next generation of biogeochemical models needs to accomplish. The project is organized in three tasks related to: 1) optical data gathering and quality check, with analysis of algorithms quantifying downward irradiance, 2) multi-spectral upgrade of the present bio-optical model, also considering the role of cDOM, and 3) the assessment of the new bio-optical model within CMEMS quality framework. Major foreseen impacts of the project are the improvement of CMEMS
biogeochemical products, the development of new optics-related biogeochemical products for CMEMS, the improvement of the multi-data assimilative scheme of optical measurements, and the strengthening of the scientific and technological links with other CMEMS TACs and MFCs.
Project highlight at mid-term:
In the BIOPTIMOD project we set up an atmospheric and in-water multi spectral radiative transfer model to be coupled with biogeochemical models:
- The direct (Ed) and diffuse (Es) downward irradiance at sea level are computed by the OASIM model (Gregg and Casey, 2009) and coupled with ECMWF ERAINTERIM data and MODIS data for aerosol parameters.
- The in-water radiative transfer model (Gregg and Rousseaux, 2017) accounts for attenuation (absorption and scattering) due to plankton chlorophyll and CDOM.
We currently validated the skill of the models at the BOUSSOLE site located in the north-western Mediterranean Sea.
Gregg WW and Casey NW (2009). Skill assessment of a spectral ocean-atmosphere radiative model.J. Mar. Syst.76, 49–63. doi: 10.1016/j.jmarsys.2008.05.007
Greg WW and Rousseaux CS (2017). Simulating PACE Global Ocean Radiances. Front. Mar. Sci. 4:60. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2017.0006
