A Zooplankton Population Dynamics Model in the California Current Region.
(Huntley, M. E. [Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO)], Zhou, M. [SIO]) We
propose to construct a practical zooplankton population dynamics model based on
novel advances in the biomass spectrum theory. Testing and application of the
theory will use eddy-resolving Optical Plankton Counter data collected in the
California Current region during June-July 1993 and September-October 1993. The
novel advances in the biomass spectrum theory explicitly include population
dynamics parameters such as rates of individual growth, birth, and mortality. We
first developed a general biomass spectrum theory of size-structured zooplankton
population dynamics and then demonstrated that this theory can be practically
applied to estimate zooplankton population dynamics rates and productivity from
observations of the biomass spectrum. In this theory, zooplankton, including all
species and stages, are classified by weight. For estimating population dynamics
rates from field observations and verifying modeling results, we further
developed an objective interpolation method which removes the effects of
advection from observations and calculates statistical properties of the
spatiotemporal interpolation. This objective interpolation method will be applied
to zooplankton data obtained in the California Current region. The results,
together with the biomass spectrum theory and individual-population growth
models, will be used to estimate rates of population dynamics. These rates and
zooplankton spatiotemporal distributions allow us realistically to construct and
verify a population model. Then we will develop a numerical model based on the
biomass spectrum theory and analyzed population dynamics rates, which takes the
phytoplankton and physical fields from observations or modeling, and outputs
zooplankton spatiotemporal distribution and productivity. This model provides the
trophic link between models of phytoplankton and fish, and can be directly
embedded into an existing hydrodynamic-ecosystem model for ecosystem study and
prediction of secondary production.
This page was last updated on
March 15, 2007.
Maintained by:
Hal Batchelder
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-5503
phone: 541-737-4500; FAX 541-737-2064