Basin-scale changes in net primary production from the biogeochemical-Argo array
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Marine net primary production is expected to be affected by climate change. Although remote sensing offers broad spatial and temporal coverage, it is limited to surface observations and cannot capture subsurface variability. Autonomous profiling floats provide critical depth-resolved measurements that help bridge this gap. Here, we use data from the biogeochemical-Argo array to estimate basin-scale change in net primary production using the carbon-based production algorithm. We find statistically significant negative trends across the Atlantic and Southern Oceans and positive trends in the Pacific Ocean. These changes, if occurring in response to climate forcing, raise concern due to the key role of phytoplankton productivity in sustaining marine ecosystems. These trends typically agree in direction and magnitude with those from satellites. Our findings highlight the value of the biogeochemical-Argo array in detecting change in ocean productivity, demonstrating its potential for sustained monitoring. These results underscore the need for integrated observing systems to capture the full extent of changing marine productivity.
Source: Science Advances
Authors: Thomas J. Ryan-Keogh, Sandy J. Thomalla
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W7225817553