Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-927
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-927
14 Mar 2025
 | 14 Mar 2025

On the Challenges of Retrieving Phytoplankton Properties from Remote-Sensing Observations

J. Xavier Prochaska and Robert J. Frouin

Abstract. Remote-sensing satellites provide the only means to observe the entire ocean at high-temporal resolution. Optical-sensors assess ocean color through estimates of remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs(λ)). We emphasize a physical degeneracy in the radiative transfer equation that relates Rrs(λ) to absorption and backscattering coefficients (a(λ),bb(λ)) known as inherent optical properties (IOPs). This degeneracy stems from Rrs(λ) depending on the ratio bb(λ)/a(λ), preventing the independent retrieval of non-water IOPs without prior knowledge. We demonstrate that multi-spectral satellite observations lack the statistical power to recover more than three parameters describing non-water absorption and backscattering. Due to exponential-like absorption by colored dissolved organic matter and detritus at shorter wavelengths, multi-spectral Rrs(λ) data cannot detect phytoplankton absorption without strict priors, leading to biased and uncertain estimates. These results challenge decades of IOP retrieval literature, including assessments of phytoplankton growth and biomass. While hyperspectral observations hold promise to recover additional parameters, significant hurdles remain in accurately quantifying IOPs and phytoplankton biomass at a global scale.

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J. Xavier Prochaska and Robert J. Frouin

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-927', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Apr 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', J. Xavier Prochaska, 09 May 2025
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-927', Takafumi Hirata, 30 Apr 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', J. Xavier Prochaska, 09 May 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-927', Anonymous Referee #2, 01 May 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', J. Xavier Prochaska, 09 May 2025

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-927', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Apr 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', J. Xavier Prochaska, 09 May 2025
  • CC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-927', Takafumi Hirata, 30 Apr 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', J. Xavier Prochaska, 09 May 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-927', Anonymous Referee #2, 01 May 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', J. Xavier Prochaska, 09 May 2025
J. Xavier Prochaska and Robert J. Frouin
J. Xavier Prochaska and Robert J. Frouin

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Latest update: 15 Sep 2025
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Short summary
Satellites monitor ocean health globally, but we discovered a fundamental physics limitation in measuring phytoplankton – tiny plants essential to marine ecosystems. Our analysis shows even advanced satellites can't reliably distinguish phytoplankton from other ocean components. This challenges decades of research and suggests existing measurements have greater uncertainties than realized. Combining satellite data with direct ocean sampling is needed for better monitoring these vital organisms.
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