Nutrient and light availability regulate phytoplankton physiology and photosynthesis in the ocean. These physiological processes are difficult to sample in time and space over physiologically and ecologically relevant scales using traditional shipboard techniques. Gliders are changing the nature of data collection, by allowing a sustained presence at sea over regional scales, collecting data at resolution not possible using traditional techniques. The integration of a fluorescence induction and relaxation (FIRe) sensor in a Slocum glider allows autonomous high‐resolution and vertically‐resolved measurements of photosynthetic physiological variables together with oceanographic data. In situ measurements of variable fluorescence under ambient light allows a better understanding of the physical controls of primary production (PP). We demonstrate this capability in a laboratory setting and with several glider deployments in the Southern Ocean. Development of these approaches will allow for the in situ evaluation of phytoplankton light stress and photoacclimation mechanisms, as well as the role of vertical mixing in phytoplankton dynamics and the underlying physiology, especially in remote locations and for prolonged duration.

中文翻译：

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FIRe滑翔机：利用自主水下滑翔机绘制原位叶绿素可变荧光图

营养物质和光的可利用性调节了海洋中浮游植物的生理和光合作用。使用传统的船载技术很难在生理和生态相关的尺度上在时间和空间上对这些生理过程进行采样。滑翔机正在改变数据收集的性质，允许在区域范围内在海上持续存在，以传统技术无法实现的分辨率收集数据。在Slocum滑翔机中集成了荧光感应和弛豫（FIRe）传感器，可以对海洋生物数据以及光合生理变量进行自主的高分辨率和垂直分辨测量。在环境光下对可变荧光进行原位测量，可以更好地了解初级生产（PP）的物理控制。我们在实验室环境中以及在南大洋的多个滑翔机部署中展示了这种能力。这些方法的发展将允许对浮游植物的光应力和光适应机制进行原位评估，以及垂直混合在浮游植物动力学和基础生理中的作用，尤其是在偏远地区和长期使用。