Analysis of spatio-temporal variability of particulate organic carbon in the Black Sea in 2000–2024 based on satellite data

Abstract The results of the analysis of the spatio-temporal variability of particulate organic carbon (POC) in the Black Sea over a 25-year period are described in the paper. The initial data for the analysis were satellite data of POC concentrations in the period 2000–2024. Features in the spatial distribution of POC concentrations in the Black Sea were identified based on research results. The direction of movement and the boundaries of the distribution of the band of its maximum values in different seasons of the year and in general for the entire research period were determined. The features of intra-annual, seasonal and inter-annual variability of POC concentration in the Black Sea over a 25-year period were also determined. Trends in the variability of averaged POC concentration values were established both for the entire research period and for specific periods. Analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution of POC concentrations showed that the highest concentration of POC is concentrated in the coastal areas of the Black Sea, in particular in wetlands of international, national and local importance. This highlights the importance of coastal zones for ecosystem functions, in addition to water purification, coastal protection from storms and floods, and fish feeding, the sequestration of blue carbon should also be considered. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of POC and its role in the marine carbon cycle will contribute to addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation in accordance with the SDGs, in particular Goals 13,14,15. In general, satellite monitoring of POC concentrations in the marine environment opens up enormous opportunities for scientific research in various fields, as well as for solving practical problems in the fields of natural resources management, blue economy, ecology, coastal zone management or blue carbon ecosystems at the local, regional, national and international levels.