1353 / 2024-09-25 00:24:50

Coordinating the Development of Observation-based Digital Twins of the Ocean from the Biogeochemical Argo Array

ocean biogeochemisry,BGC-Argo,data products

Substantial advances in oceanographic observation have been made in recent decades, allowing scientists to address questions relating to ocean physics and biogeochemistry on previously unattainable spatial and temporal scales. Remote sensing technology (1970s-pres.) has enabled highly resolved views of surface ocean properties and the Argo array (2000s-pres.) has generated unprecedented ocean interior temperature and salinity observations. The Biogeochemical (BGC) Argo array has grown over the early 21st century, and its planned expansion will soon generate ocean interior carbon, oxygen, nutrient, and optical data with near-global coverage. Four-dimensional (4D; latitude × longitude × depth × time), gridded, and gap-filled data products of these ocean interior properties are being developed. These products will enhance data accessibility and ease data interpretation, transforming our understanding of ocean biogeochemical processes such as carbon fixation, export and remineralization, ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and nutrient cycling. Regular updates to these 4D-BGC products will allow scientists and decision-makers to monitor changes to important biogeochemical processes in near-real-time. A recently established working group through the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR WG 168) is facilitating discussion and coordination among different scientific communities around developing, validating, and distributing 4D-BGC products from observational datasets, with a focus on the BGC-Argo array. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to significantly enhance access and utility of BGC observations through 4D-BGC products, and thus refine our understanding of ocean biogeochemistry, improve models and reanalysis products, and inform policy decisions. This presentation will review the goals and progress of SCOR WG 168, with the objective of inviting and encouraging broader participation in the group's activities.