Biogeochemical variability in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre viewed through the lens of underwater gliders

durch Catherine Amanda García (FB2-BI)

Mittwoch 11.02.2026, 13:15 → 14:30 Europe/Berlin

5-1.213 - PAZIFIK / PACIFIC- Rechte Seite - Großer, unterteilbarer Konferenzraum (GEOMAR - Standort Ostufer / GEOMAR - East Shore)

Abstract:

Autonomous underwater gliders provide high‐resolution observations of biological and biogeochemical variability in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Using multi‐year glider datasets (2008–2023) comprising >20,000 vertical profiles near Station ALOHA, we examined diel to seasonal variability in particulate backscattering (bbp) and dissolved oxygen (O₂) to assess particle dynamics and metabolic rates. Diel bbp anomalies showed wavelength‐dependent timing, offering insight into particle composition and processes across temporal scales. Concurrently, diel oscillations in O₂ anomalies were used to derive depth‐resolved metabolic rates, yielding annual mean gross oxygen production (87 ± 3 mmol O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹) and community respiration (89 ± 4 mmol O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹), with higher rates in summer and fall. Summertime increases in depth‐integrated bbp (0–150 m) at multiple wavelengths coincided with seasonal peaks in primary production and particulate carbon export. Our results demonstrate the value of autonomous, depth‐resolved bio‐optical and oxygen measurements for quantifying productivity, respiration, and particle export in oligotrophic open‐ocean ecosystems.

Meeting link:

https://geomar.webex.com/geomar/j.php?MTID=m7dfa143383f625352b3b79962018ee54