Ocean primary production calculated by spectral and broad-band models

Abstract

Water-column primary production was determined by the 14C in situ method during the spring bloom in the North Atlantic Ocean. For the same samples, the parameters of the photosynthesis-light curve were determined in broad-band light, and in narrow spectral bands for construction of the action spectrum. Using these parameters, with information on the vertical distribution of chlorophyll, measurements of light absorption by particulate materials, and data on surface irradiance, water-column production was calculated using four different production models. When compared to in situ primary production measurements, results show that the spectral model is the best estimator of water-column primary production. -from Authors