Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-484
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2025-484
01 Sep 2025
 | 01 Sep 2025
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal ESSD.

A centennial-scale data of suspended particulate matter over the global ocean

Jun Chen, Cheng Fan, Qianni Deng, Liguo Liu, Qianguo Xing, Shilin Tang, Wenting Quan, and Xiaofan Wang

Abstract. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) is a crucial indicator of marine nutrient transport, the carbon cycle, and land-sourced pollution. However, SPM research has been constrained by limited data. While marine remote sensing has helped fill this gap since late 20th century, pre-2000 data remains scarce, particularly for global datasets with high spatiotemporal resolution. To address the shortage of in-situ SPM observations, we developed two empirical models for estimating SPM concentrations: one based on remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) and the other on Secchi depth (Zsd). Model evaluation shows that retrieval uncertainties do not exceed 35 %. To mitigate errors in highly turbid waters (>100 mg l-1), we applied data quality constraints by excluding samples above this threshold. The resulting dataset merges in-situ SPM observations, providing global coverage of SPM concentrations from 1890 to 2020. Temporal and spatial analysis reveals an overall increase in global SPM concentrations, with a sharp rise between 1920 and 1942, followed by a rapid return to pre-1920 levels. The underlying causes of this fluctuation warrant further investigation. This unique dataset holds considerable potential for marine resource management, climate modeling, human activity assessment, and environmental protection.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share
Jun Chen, Cheng Fan, Qianni Deng, Liguo Liu, Qianguo Xing, Shilin Tang, Wenting Quan, and Xiaofan Wang

Status: open (until 12 Oct 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
Jun Chen, Cheng Fan, Qianni Deng, Liguo Liu, Qianguo Xing, Shilin Tang, Wenting Quan, and Xiaofan Wang

Data sets

A centennial-scale data of suspended particulate matter over the global ocean Jun Chen https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16991206

Jun Chen, Cheng Fan, Qianni Deng, Liguo Liu, Qianguo Xing, Shilin Tang, Wenting Quan, and Xiaofan Wang

Viewed

Total article views: 142 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
130 10 2 142 1 1
  • HTML: 130
  • PDF: 10
  • XML: 2
  • Total: 142
  • BibTeX: 1
  • EndNote: 1
Views and downloads (calculated since 01 Sep 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 01 Sep 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 142 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 142 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 07 Sep 2025
Download
Short summary
In this study, we extend the temporal coverage of Suspended particulate matter (SPM) observations to the past century by developing independent inversion models from global Secchi depth records and remote sensing reflectance measurements, subsequently integrating these results with in situ SPM data. The outcome is an open-access, century-scale global SPM dataset designed to advance research on long-term SPM source-sink dynamics and their climate connections.
Share
Altmetrics