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Effects of ultraviolet radiation on marine primary production with reference to satellite remote sensing

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Abstract

Incubation experiments have shown that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has significant influences on marine primary production (MPP). However, existing satellite remote sensing models of MPP only consider the effects of visible light radiation, ignoring the UVR. Additionally, the ocean color satellite data currently used for MPP estimation contain no UV bands. To better understand the mechanism of MPP model development with reference to satellite remote sensing, including UVR’s effects, we first reviewed recent studies of UVR’s effects on phytoplankton and MPP, which highlights the need for improved satellite remote sensing of MPP. Then, based on current MPP models using visible radiation, we discussed the quantitative methods used to implement three key model variables related to UVR: the UVR intensity at the sea surface, the attenuation of UVR in the euphotic layer, and the maximum or optimal photosynthetic rate, considering the effects of UVR. The implementation of these UVR-related variables could be useful in further assessing UVR’s effects on the remote sensing of MPP, and in reevaluating our existing knowledge of MPP estimation at large spatial scales and long-time scales related to global change.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Hangzhou, 310012, China

    Teng Li, Yan Bai, Xianqiang He & Dong Liu

  2. Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China

    Gang Li

  3. Institute of Marine Geology and Chemistry, College of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, China

    Chen-Tung Arthur Chen

  4. State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China

    Kunshan Gao

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  1. Teng Li
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  2. Yan Bai
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  3. Gang Li
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Correspondence to Yan Bai.

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Li, T., Bai, Y., Li, G. et al. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on marine primary production with reference to satellite remote sensing. Front. Earth Sci. 9, 237–247 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-014-0477-0

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