The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Seasonal and interannual variations of particulate organic carbon export over global ocean during 2003-2021
ID:1021 Oral Presentation

2027-01-14 16:20 (China Standard Time)

Session: Session 39 - Leveraging BGC-Argo Observations to Advance Marine Biogeochemical Cycles and Ecosystem Dynamics

Abstract
The export flux of particulate organic carbon (POC) is a key parameter for quantifying the capacity of the marine biological pump. However, owing to a lack of observational data, remote sensing‐based studies on global POC export flux remain insufficient, and existing estimates carry considerable uncertainty. In this study, we used a model developed from BGC‐Argo profile data to derive global ocean primary productivity and phytoplankton size structure, which served as critical inputs to a food web model. This approach yielded a global annual mean POC export flux of approximately 9.5 Pg C yr⁻¹ over the past two decades. Comparisons with in situ observations demonstrate that the model‐derived POC export flux is reliable in both magnitude and temporal trend. Further analysis reveals pronounced spatial heterogeneity in both the magnitude and temporal variability of POC export flux. Over the past two decades, the flux has exhibited a significant decreasing trend in the tropical eastern Pacific, while increasing trends are observed in parts of the Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Globally, the annual total POC export flux has shown a fluctuating decline.
Speaker
Yinxue Zhang Jiangsu Ocean University

Author
Yinxue Zhang Jiangsu Ocean University

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027