Intercalibration: A Cornerstone of the Success of the GEOTRACES Program

• DOI: 10.5670/oceanog.2024.404
• Publication Date: 2024-05-02T18:49:25Z
• Authors: Ana Aguilar-Islas; Hélène Planquette; Maeve Lohan; Walter Geibert; Gregory Cutter
• Keywords: Geotraces

The international GEOTRACES program was developed to enhance knowledge about the distribution of trace elements and their isotopes (TEIs) in ocean reduce uncertainty sources, sinks, internal cycling. Recognizing importance intercalibration from outset, implemented efforts early program, consensus materials were generated that included full range TEIs dissolved seawater, suspended particles, aerosols. section cruises include “crossover station(s)” are occupied by two or more sections whereby all aspects sample collection, preservation, processing can be compared intercalibrated. Once datasets generated, an committee reviews reports works with community address issues provide intercalibrated data for intermediate products. This process has resulted a highly cooperative shares advances protocols strengthen capacity building outcomes, including unprecedented oceanic atlas TEIs, quality is state-of-the-art. article outlines development implementation successful process.