Particulate Backscattering in the Global Ocean: A Comparison of Independent Assessments

How well do we know the particulate backscattering coefficient (b(bp)) in the global ocean? Satellite lidar b(bp) has never been validated globally and few studies have compared lidar b(bp) to b(bp) derived from reflectances (via ocean color) or in situ observations. Here, we validate lidar b(bp) with autonomous biogeochemical Argo floats using a decorrelation analysis to identify relevant spatiotemporal matchup scales inspired by geographical variability in the Rossby radius of deformation. We compare lidar, float, and ocean color b(bp) at the same locations and times to assess performance. Lidar b(bp) outperforms ocean color, with a median percent error of 18% compared to 24% in the best case and a relative bias of −11% compared to −21%, respectively. Phytoplankton carbon calculated from ocean color and lidar exhibits basin-scale differences that can reach ±50%.