Multicomponent Ecosystem Model for SAB 7 papers published

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?