Zooplankton Population Dynamics on Georges Bank: Model and Data Synthesis

PIs: P.J.S. Franks, C.S. Chen, E.G. Durbin, W. Gentleman, J.M. Pringle and J. Runge

With important contributions from students, postdocs, technicians

Goals

To improve our mechanistic understanding of the possible influences of climate variation on the population dynamics and production of the target zooplankton species through its effects on advective transport, temperature, food availability, and predator fields

Retention in basins

GOM subregions

Passive behavior

Density-seeking behavior

Slide 11

Slide 12

Advective supply to GB during January-April and the role of winds

Slide 14

Slide 15

Slide 16

Population dynamics

Slide 18

Slide 19

Slide 20

Slide 21

Stratification summary

The light environment controls the onset of the bloom in the shallow region, while stratification plays a more significant role in the deep region.

The magnitude of bloom is modified by both light and nutrients.

N/Si ratio is an important parameter for the nutrients limitation process and succession of phytoplankton community.

The basic pattern of lower-level trophic food-web dynamics in shallow and deeper area mirrors the sites A and B in the 1D model. A unique pattern develops in the tidal mixing frontal zone.

If no impact from advection, the development of weak stratification is critical for the springtime bloom; wind and heat flux can regulate this process.

The frontal zone is a possible area for the “second” diatom bloom.

Advection may be critical in determining changes in stratification and thus bloom formation, particularly in deeper waters

Population dynamics

Individual-based models

Food limitation

Slide 26

Diapause duration model

Still to come:

Workshop Objectives


	PIs: P.J.S. Franks, C.S. Chen, E.G. Durbin, W. Gentleman, J.M. Pringle and J. Runge

	With important contributions from students, postdocs, technicians


	To improve our mechanistic understanding of the possible influences of climate variation on the population dynamics and production of the target zooplankton species through its effects on advective transport, temperature, food availability, and predator fields


	The light environment controls the onset of the bloom in the shallow region, while stratification plays a more significant role in the deep region.

	The magnitude of bloom is modified by both light and nutrients.

	N/Si ratio is an important parameter for the nutrients limitation process and succession of phytoplankton community.

	The basic pattern of lower-level trophic food-web dynamics in shallow and deeper area mirrors the sites A and B in the 1D model. A unique pattern develops in the tidal mixing frontal zone.

	If no impact from advection, the development of weak stratification is critical for the springtime bloom; wind and heat flux can regulate this process.

	The frontal zone is a possible area for the “second” diatom bloom.

	Advection may be critical in determining changes in stratification and thus bloom formation, particularly in deeper waters