First two years of results from a mooring over a Posidonia Oceanica seagrass meadow (Corsica, France)

Poster (2009)

A mathematical modelling of bloom of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi in a mesocosm experiment

Poster (2008, July 23)

A dynamic model has been developed to represent biogeochemical variables and processes observed during a bloom of Emiliania huxleyi coccolithophore. This bloom was induced in a mesocosm experiment during ... [more ▼]

A dynamic model has been developed to represent biogeochemical variables and processes observed during a bloom of Emiliania huxleyi coccolithophore. This bloom was induced in a mesocosm experiment during which the ecosystem development was followed over a period of 23-days through changes in various biogeochemical parameters such as inorganic nutrients (nitrate, ammonium and phosphate), total alkalinity (TA), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), dissolved oxygen (O2), photosynthetic pigments, particulate organic carbon (POC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Transparent Exopolymer Particles (TEP), primary production, and calcification. This dynamic model is based on unbalanced algal growth and balanced bacterial growth. In order to adequately reproduce the observations, the model includes an explicit description of phosphorus cycling, calcification, TEP production and an enhanced mortality due to viral lysis. The model represented carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes observed in the mesocosms. Modelled profiles of algal biomass and final concentrations of DIC and nutrients are in agreement with the experimental observations. [less ▲]

Numerical modeling of the deep Black Sea ecosystem functioning during the late 80’s (eutrophication phase)

in Progress in Oceanography (2008), 76(9), 286-333

A one-dimensional coupled physical–biogeochemical model has been developed to simulate the ecosystem of the central Black Sea at the end of the 1980s when eutrophication and invasion by gelatinous ... [more ▼]

A one-dimensional coupled physical–biogeochemical model has been developed to simulate the ecosystem of the central Black Sea at the end of the 1980s when eutrophication and invasion by gelatinous organisms seriously affected the stability and dynamics of the system. The physical model is the General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM) and the biogeochemical model describes the foodweb from bacteria to gelatinous carnivores through 24 state variables including three groups of phytoplankton: diatoms, small phototrophic flagellates and dinoflagellates, two zooplankton groups: micro- and mesozooplankton, two groups of gelatinous zooplankton: the omnivorous and carnivorous forms, an explicit representation of the bacterial loop: bacteria, labile and semi-labile dissolved organic matter, particulate organic matter. The model simulates oxygen, nitrogen, silicate and carbon cycling. In addition, an innovation of this model is that it explicitly represents processes in the anoxic layer. Biogeochemical processes in anaerobic conditions have been represented using an approach similar to that used in the modeling of diagenetic processes in the sediments lumping together all the reduced substances in one state variable [Soetaert, K., Herman, P., 1996. A model of early diagenetic processes from the shelf to abyssal depths. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 60 (6) 1019–1040]. In this way, processes in the upper oxygenated layer are fully coupled with anaerobic processes in the deep waters, allowing to perform longterm simulations. The mathematical modeling of phytoplankton and zooplankton dynamics, detritus and the microbial loop is based on the model developed by Van den Meersche et al. [Van den Meersche, K., Middelburg, J., Soetaert, K., van Rijswijk P.H.B., Heip, C., 2004. Carbon–nitrogen coupling and algal–bacterial interactions during an experimental bloom: Modeling a 13c tracer experiment. Limnology and Oceanography 49 (3), 862–878] and tested in the modeling of mesocosm experiments and of the Ligurian sea ecosystem [Raick, C., Delhez, E., Soetaert, K., Gregoire, M., 2005. Study of the seasonal cycle of the biogeochemical processes in the Ligurian sea using an 1D interdisciplinary model. Journal of Marine Systems 55 (3–4) 177–203]. This model has been extended to simulate the development of top predators, the aggregation of detritus as well as the degradation and chemical processes in suboxic/anoxic conditions (e.g. denitrification, anoxic remineralization, redox reactions). The coupled model extends down to the sediments (’2000 m depth) and is forced at the air–sea interface by the 6 hourly ERA-40 reanalysis of ECMWF data. The model has been calibrated and validated using a large set of data available in the Black Sea TU Ocean Base. The biogeochemical model involves some hundred parameters which are first calibrated by hand using published values. Then, an identifiability analysis has been performed in order to determine a subset of identifiable parameters (i.e. ensemble of parameters that can be together estimated from the amount of data we have at our disposal, see later in the text). Also a subset of 10 identifiable parameters was isolated and an automatic calibration subroutine (Levenberg Marquart) has been used to fine tune these parameters. Additionally, in order to assess the sensitivity of model results to the parameterization of the two gelatinous groups, Monte Carlo simulations were performed perturbing all the parameters governing their dynamics. In order to calibrate the particle dynamics and export, the chemical model was run off-line with the particle and microbial loop model in order to check its capacity of simulating anoxic waters. After a 104 year run, the model simulated NH4 and H2S profiles similar to observations but steady state was not reached suggesting that the Black Sea deep waters are not at steady state. The fully coupled model was then used to simulate the period 1988–1992 of the Black Sea ecosystem. The model solution exhibits a complex dynamics with several years of transient adjustment. This complexity is imparted by the explicit modeling of top predators. The integrated chlorophyll and phytoplankton biomasses, the maximum concentration and depth of maximum, mesozooplankton biomass, depth of oxycline, primary production, bacterial production, surface concentrations of nutrients and plankton simulated by the model and obtained from available data analysis were compared and showed a satisfactory agreement. Also, as in the data, the model shows a continuous development of phytoplankton throughout the year, with an intense spring bloom dominated by diatoms and a fall bloom dominated by dinoflagellates. Dinoflagellates dominate from summer until late fall while small phototrophic flagellates are never dominant in terms of biomass, but are present almost throughout the year except in winter. The model simulates an intense silicate removal associated to increased diatoms blooms which were promoted by increased nutrient conditions, and by the presence of gelatinous zooplankton. This silicate pumping leads to silicate limitation of diatoms development in summer allowing the development of dinoflagellates. [less ▲]

A dynamic model of an experimental bloom of coccolithophores Emiliania huxleyi

Conference (2007, November 27)

A dynamic model has been developed to represent biogeochemical events observed during an experimentally induced bloom of coccolithophores Emiliania huxleyi. This bloom occurred in a mesocosm experiment ... [more ▼]

A dynamic model has been developed to represent biogeochemical events observed during an experimentally induced bloom of coccolithophores Emiliania huxleyi. This bloom occurred in a mesocosm experiment (Bergen 2001 experiment) during which ecosystem development was followed over a 23-days period through changes of the stocks of inorganic nutrients (nitrate, ammonium and phosphate), dissolved inorganic carbon and pCO2, O2 concentration, pigments, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, the production of Transparent Exopolymeric Particles (TEP), primary production, alkalinity, calcification and particulate inorganic carbon. The dynamic model is based on unbalanced algal growth and balanced growth for bacteria as described in Van den Meersche et al. (2004). In addition, in order to adequately reproduce the observations, the model has been extended by including an explicit description of calcification, T.E.P production and an enhanced mortality due to viruses. This last process, based on a critical promiscuity between cellular hosts and viral agents, successfully contributed to reproduce the bloom extinction as observed in the mesocosm experiment. This model will be implemented in a coupled physical-biogeochemical model of the Black Sea ecosystem in the framework of the EU Sesame project and in the Gulf of Biscay in the frame of the Belgian PEACE project. [less ▲]

Can principal component analysis be used to predict the dynamics of a strongly non-linear marine biogeochemical model?

in Ecological Modelling (2006), 196(3-4), 345-364

In the framework of model complexity reduction, we investigate the ability of the principal component analysis technique to represent in a compact form the dynamics of a coupled physical-ecosystem model ... [more ▼]

In the framework of model complexity reduction, we investigate the ability of the principal component analysis technique to represent in a compact form the dynamics of a coupled physical-ecosystem model. The biogeochemical model describes the evolution in time and depth of the partly decoupled nitrogen and carbon cycles of the pelagic food web in the Ligurian Sea (North Western Mediterranean Sea) through 19 biogeochemical state variables. The GHER hydrodynamic model (1D version) is used to represent the physical forcings. The coupled model presents a high variability in time and space that can be decomposed in modes by principal component analysis. To investigate the possibility of being represented in a compact form, the model is constrained to evolve in a reduced space spanned by its most dominant modes of variability that are the empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs). Different orthogonal bases (formed by 1D and OD EOFs) are used to investigate the performance and realism of the method. 1D vertical EOFs show a tendency to impose a spatial structure to model results according to the most dominant EOFs. In the case of OD EOFs, results of the reduced model can be very close to the original one, but it requires a large number of modes. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Study of the seasonal cycle of the biogeochemical processes in the Ligurian Sea using a ID interdisciplinary model

in Journal of Marine Systems (2005), 55(3-4), 177-203

A one-dimensional coupled physical-biogeochemical model has been built to study the pelagic food web of the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean Sea). The physical model is the turbulent closure model (version ... [more ▼]

A one-dimensional coupled physical-biogeochemical model has been built to study the pelagic food web of the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean Sea). The physical model is the turbulent closure model (version I D) developed at the GeoHydrodynamics and Environmental Laboratory (GHER) of the University of Liege. The ecosystem model contains 19 state variables describing the carbon and nitrogen cycles of the pelagic food web. Phytoplankton and zooplankton are both divided in three size-based compartments and the model includes an explicit representation of the microbial loop including bacteria, dissolved organic matter, nano-, and microzooplankton. The internal carbon/nitrogen ratio is assumed variable for phytoplankton and detritus, and constant for zooplankton and bacteria. Silicate is considered as a potential limiting nutrient of phytoplankton's growth. The aggregation model described by Kriest and Evans in (Proc. Ind. Acad. Sci., Earth Planet. Sci. 109 (4) (2000) 453) is used to evaluate the sinking rate of particulate detritus. The model is forced at the air-sea interface by meteorological data coming from the "Cote d'Azur" Meteorological Buoy. The dynamics of atmospheric fluxes in the Mediterranean Sea (DYFAMED) time-series data obtained during the year 2000 are used to calibrate and validate the biological model. The comparison of model results within in situ DYFAMED data shows that although some processes are not represented by the model, such as horizontal and vertical advections, model results are overall in agreement with observations and differences observed can be explained with environmental conditions. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Influence of the Aral Sea negative water balance on its seasonal circulation patterns: use of a 3D hydrodynamic model

in Journal of Marine Systems (2004), 47(1-4), 51-66

A 3D hydrodynamic model of the Aral Sea was successfully implemented to address the complex hydrodynamic changes induced by the combined effect of hydrologic and climatic change in the Aral region. The ... [more ▼]

A 3D hydrodynamic model of the Aral Sea was successfully implemented to address the complex hydrodynamic changes induced by the combined effect of hydrologic and climatic change in the Aral region. The first barotropic numerical experiments allowed us to produce a comparative description of the mean general seasonal circulation patterns corresponding to the original situation (1956-1960) and of the average situation for the period from 1981 to 1985, a very low river flow period. The dominant anticyclonic circulation suggested by our seasonal simulation is in good agreement with previous investigations. In addition. this main anticyclonic gyre was shown to be stable and clearly established from February to September, while winter winds led to another circulation scenario. In winter, the main anticyclonic gyre was considerably limited, and cyclonic circulations appeared in the deep western basin and in the northeast of the shallow basin. In contrast, stronger anticyclonic circulation was observed in the Small Aral Sea during winter. As a consequence of the 10-m sea level drop observed between the two periods considered, the 1981-1985 simulation suggests an intensification of seasonal variability. Total water transport of the main gyre was reduced with sea level drop by a minimum of 30% in May and up to 54% in September. Before 1960, the study of the net flows through Berg and Kokaral Straits allowed us to evaluate the component of water exchange between the Small and the Large Seas linked with the general anticyclonic circulation around Kokaral Island. This exchange was lowest in summer (with a mean anticyclonic exchange of 222 m(3)/s for July and August), highest in fall and winter (with a mean value of 1356 m(3)/s from September to February) and briefly reversed in the spring (mean cyclonic circulation of 316 m(3)/s for April and May). In summer, the water exchange due to local circulation at the scale of each strait was comparatively more important because net flows through the straits were low. After about 20 years of negative water balance, the western Kokaral Strait was dried up and the depth of Berg Strait was reduced from 15 to 5 m. Simulation indicated a quasi-null net transport, except during the seasonal modification of the circulation pattern, in February and October. A limited, but stable, water exchange of about 100 m(3)/s remained throughout the year, as a result of the permanent superposition of opposite currents. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Modeling the nitrogen fluxes in the Black Sea using a 3D coupled hydrodynamical-biogeochemical model: transport versus biogeochemical processes, exchanges across the shelf break and comparison of the shelf and deep sea ecodynamics

in Biogeosciences (2004), 1(1), 33-61

A 6-compartment biogeochemical model of nitrogen cycling and plankton productivity has been coupled with a 3D general circulation model in an enclosed environment (the Black Sea) so as to quantify and ... [more ▼]

A 6-compartment biogeochemical model of nitrogen cycling and plankton productivity has been coupled with a 3D general circulation model in an enclosed environment (the Black Sea) so as to quantify and compare, on a seasonal and annual scale, the typical internal biogeochemical functioning of the shelf and of the deep sea as well as to estimate the nitrogen and water exchanges at the shelf break. Model results indicate that the annual nitrogen net export to the deep sea roughly corresponds to the annual load of nitrogen discharged by the rivers on the shelf. The model estimated vertically integrated gross annual primary production is 130 g C m(-2) yr(-1) for the whole basin, 220 g C m(-2) yr(-1) for the shelf and 40 g C m(-2) yr(-1) for the central basin. In agreement with sediment trap observations, model results indicate a rapid and efficient recycling of particulate organic matter in the sub-oxic portion of the water column (60-80 m) of the open sea. More than 95% of the PON produced in the euphotic layer is recycled in the upper 100 m of the water column, 87% in the upper 80 m and 67% in the euphotic layer. The model estimates the annual export of POC towards the anoxic layer to 4 10(10) mol yr(-1). This POC is definitely lost for the system and represents 2% of the annual primary production of the open sea. [less ▲]

Exchange processes and nitrogen cycling on the shelf and continental slope of the Black Sea basin

in Global Biogeochemical Cycles (2003), 17(2),

A 3D coupled biogeochemical-hydrodynamical model has been applied to the Black Sea to simulate nitrogen cycling and to estimate the exchange of biogeochemical components at the shelf break and between the ... [more ▼]

A 3D coupled biogeochemical-hydrodynamical model has been applied to the Black Sea to simulate nitrogen cycling and to estimate the exchange of biogeochemical components at the shelf break and between the continental slope and the deep sea. It was found that biological processes on the northwestern shelf are in approximate balance. Primary production is fueled by river discharge, nitrate input from the open sea at the shelf break, and in situ remineralization. The input of nitrate from the open sea is roughly equivalent to the river nitrate discharge but is half the nitrate export from the shelf toward the open sea. Also, the Black Sea shelf acts throughout the year as a nitrate source for the open sea. The amount of shelf production not remineralized in the euphotic layer is 22.2% and is exported to lower layers (20%) or offshore (2.2%). We estimate that the export of carbon from the shelf to the interior of the basin represents 2.5% of the new production of the open sea. The upper slope adjoining the northwestern shelf is the site of downwelling events responsible for the downward transport to the intermediate layer of the continental slope of biogeochemical components exported from the shelf in the upper layer. The shelf has been found to be an efficient trap for the refractory material discharged by the Danube. [less ▲]

Influence of the Aral Sea negative water balance on its seasonal circulation : use of a 3D hydrodynamic model

Conference (2003, May)