Ecosystem dynamics at six contrasting sites: a generic modelling study

A pelagic marine ecosystem simulation model ERSEM-2004, developed from the European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model (ERSEM II), is presented along with a parameter set applicable to six highly contrasting sites, ranging from a temperate mixed shelf station to a permanently stratified tropical deep-oce...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of marine systems 2004-12, Vol.52 (1), p.191-215
Main Authors: Blackford, J.C., Allen, J.I., Gilbert, F.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arabian Sea
Ecosystem model
ERSEM
ERSEM-2004
Marine
Mediterranean Sea
North Sea
Plankton community
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Summary:A pelagic marine ecosystem simulation model ERSEM-2004, developed from the European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model (ERSEM II), is presented along with a parameter set applicable to six highly contrasting sites, ranging from a temperate mixed shelf station to a permanently stratified tropical deep-ocean station. The physical characteristics are simulated by direct coupling to a 1D vertically resolved turbulence model, parameterised for each site. A mathematical description of the pelagic ecosystem model is presented. Additions to ERSEM II's well resolved community and decoupling of gross production and ambient nutrient concentration include variable carbon to chlorophyll ratios, coupling of bacterial production to nutrient availability, improved resolution of the organic particulate and dissolved fractions and developments to the mesozooplankton description. Comparison of seasonally depth resolved and integrated properties illustrates that the model produces a wide range of community dynamics and structures that can be plausibly related to variations in mixing, temperature, irradiance and nutrient supply. The spatial–temporal variability in key environmental indicators only partially correlates with the spatial–temporal variability in community structure ( ρ
ISSN:0924-7963
1879-1573
DOI:10.1016/j.jmarsys.2004.02.004