This is the energy (expressed in megajoules) accumulated in organic matter as a result of the photosynthesis of phytoplankton in the water column under unit surface area during a given 24 h period. This energy (in the form of sugars and other compounds) produced during photosynthesis supplies marine ecosystems with the essential energy enabling them to function.

Methodology

The 24 h dose of PSR energy is determined using the DESAMBEM model (Woźniak et al., 2008). The 24 h primary production gpp can be determined directly from the model; it is expressed in carbon mass units in the water column beneath an area of 1 m². Then, knowing that the incorporation of 1 g of inorganic carbon into a sugar produced during photosynthesis requires an energy outlay of 40 kJ, one can calculated the value of PSR.

Validation

It is assumed that the errors of determining the PSR energy flux are the same as in the case of primary production z-=0, that is, primary production in the water column.

Link to the parameter in the SatBaltic System:

Photosynthetically Stored Radiation (for registered users)