A global database of vertical profiles derived from Biogeochemical Argo float measurements for biogeochemical and bio-optical applications

The presented database includes 0-1000 m vertical profiles of bio-optical and biogeochemical variables acquired by autonomous profiling Biogeochemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) floats. Data have been collected between October 2012 and January 2016, around local noon, in several oceanic areas encompassing the diversity of ocean’s trophic environments. The database includes profiles of downward irradiance at 3 wavelengths (380, 412 and 490 nm), photosynthetically available radiation, chlorophyll a concentration, fluorescent dissolved organic matter, and particle light backscattering at 700 nm. All variables have been quality controlled following specifically-developed procedures, that aimed to support biogeochemical and bio-optical applications at the global scale. Data corruption by biofouling and any instrumental drift has also been verified. Moreover, to allow users for different biogeochemical applications, vertical profiles of chlorophyll a and particle light backscattering at 700 nm have been presented before and after advanced processing (e.g., non-photochemical quenching correction, identification of spikes). Vertical profiles of temperature and salinity associated to these bio-optical data are also provided although they have been only quality-controlled for sensor issues related to bio-fouling and instrumental drift.