The objective of the Global Synthesis and Modelling Working Group is to review our current knowledge on the fluxes of dissolved and particulate material in the global ocean, and the biogeochemical processes that affect these fluxes. Of particular importance are the comparisons of the different observational and modelling approaches and the identification of controversies, methodological weaknesses and knowledge-gaps. This approach should influence the planning of future marine research programmes and should lead to the development of new, improved biogeochemical models that make use of the emerging biogeochemical data.
Specific goals of the GSWG are:

To compare and evaluate estimates for marine productivity, downward particle fluxes and respiration rates in the water column and the sediment from different observational techniques as well as from modelling,

To foster interactions between observationalists and modellers and to stimulate joint research projects,

To liaise and link its activities with JGTT and DMTT and the JGOFS regional synthesis groups,

To promote the development of new, improved biogeochemical models that utilize the emerging and diversity of marine biogeochemical data,

To identify potential biogeochemical and physical changes under global warming conditions,

To organize a workshop on the measurement and modelling of global ocean productivity and biogeochemical fluxes,

To promote a joint publication of synthesis papers on marine biogeochemical fluxes.

 

The initiation of the GS(M)WG was decided in 2000, following some discussions and thoughts as presented in this document.

The GSWG has produced the following reports:

Report of the First Meeting of the JGOFS Global Synthesis Working Group, July 2001.

Short Report is also available after the Modelling workshop in Ispra, June 2002.

JGOFS Report 38 entitled "Global Ocean Productivity and the Fluxes of Carbon and Nutrients: Combining Observations and Models", July 2003.