Use of Satellite Data for the Estimation of the Specific Growth Rate of Phytoplankton in the Surface Layer of the Black Sea

Abstract

A regional model is proposed for the estimation of the specific growth rate of phytoplankton in the sea surface layer using satellite data. The model is based on phytoplankton photosynthesis rate and biomass in organic carbon units. The phytoplankton photosynthesis rate was calculated based on ecological and physiological characteristics that were previously obtained for the Black Sea. The input parameters of the model are the chlorophyll concentration in the surface layer, water temperature, the intensity of the photosynthetic active radiation falling on the sea surface, the depth of the mixed layer, and the diffuse light attenuation coefficient. Seasonal variations in specific growth rate of phytoplankton were estimated for deep-water and near-Danube areas. The maximum values were found in the coastal area in May–June, the minimum values were observed in deep waters before the spring maximum of phytoplankton. The maximum and minimum values differed by a factor 5. The measured and calculated values of phytoplankton specific growth rate at individual stations and in selected extensive areas of the sea were fairly close. The model can be used for rapid estimation of the specific growth rate of phytoplankton in the sea surface layer using satellite data.