Implementation of an end-to-end model of the Gulf of Lions ecosystem (NW Mediterranean Sea). I. Parameterization, calibration and evaluation (original) (raw)

Three-dimensional oligotrophic ecosystem models driven by physical forcing: the Mediterranean Sea case

Environmental Modelling and Software, 1998

An analysis of existing biochemical datasets, collected using different measurements methods, confirms peculiarities of the Mediterranean Sea, such as its oligotrophy, easterly decreasing gradients, and influence of hydrodynamics on the biochemical patterns. Thus assessment of this marine environment requires a model based on a three-dimensional characterization of the ecosystem dynamics. The model, which covers all the Mediterranean basin, conceptually takes into accounts the cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus through the detritus and food chains. It includes as major compartments dissolved inorganic nutrients, two pools of phytoplankton producers, one of zooplankton, and detritus. Dynamic of dissolved oxygen is also simulated. Simulations are presented and results from this conceptualization are reported.

Ecosystem modelling as a tool for marine coastal management

2017

Ecological modeling can be a valid tool to understand, monitor and predict changes and interactions in the ecosystem dynamics. Knowledge on the social and ecological impacts on the environment have dramatically improved during the last decade thanks to the availability of new technologies. The first steps of this thesis involved the coupling of the Biogeochemical Flux Model to the uni-dimensional version of the Princeton Ocean Model (BFM-POM 1D), as well as the retrieval of available observations from various sources for the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic). Observational data was analyzed and prepared for its use both as forcing functions and validation purposes. The coupled pelagic model was then validated against observations and mechanistic experiments were performed on trophic chain interactions and external forcings. Results demonstrated the model to be stable and qualitatively valid for the area, as well as to have the potential as a management support tool. Subsequently, ...