Transcript Biological model available for South Atlantic Bight

Multi-component Ecosystem
Model for SAB
7 papers published on various
implementations of the SAB
ecosystem model
Model Characteristics
• Nitrogen based - nitrate and ammonium
• Two sizes of phytoplankton – 5 µm
• One species of zooplankton – detailed life
history (five components)
• Microzooplankton implied by loss term for
small phytoplankton
• Detritus
Schematic of Model Structure
Choice of processes
based on available
Information
Rates are based
on measurements
made for SAB waters
Calibration and
verification based
on SAB field data
sets
Model Implementation
• Implemented for SAB outer continental
shelf
• Model and processes designed to include
what was known about biological
processes associated with shelf break
upwelling – bottom intrusions (summer)
and Gulf Stream frontal eddies (year
round, most obvious in spring)
Model Modifications
• Update and review biology now in the
model
• Much more learned about zooplankton
dynamics
• Include explicit microbial processes – now
information available for this
Model Modifications
• Include mid and inner shelf processes
• Will require representation of different
species of phytoplankton and zooplankton
• Needs benthic coupling – especially for
inner shelf region
• Physical of structure of SAB may require
more than one food web model
Connection between SAB and MAB
models
• Models work independently?
• Yes – implies little biological exchange
been MAB and SAB
• No – what is the nature of exchange and
how can this be parameterized?
• Logistics of implementing two different
food web models in circulation model
Coupling to Carbon Model
• Revised SAB food web model needs to
provide output that can go into carbon
model
• What is this? How set this up?