Coupled Biophysical Modeling

## Modelling Physical-Biological Coupling In The Ocean

### by James E. Eckman

The first step in launching U.S. GLOBEC was to initiate a number of modelling studies. It was argued that modelling could help guide future field studies, and resolve certain key questions about what measurements need to be taken, at what resolution, and under what conditions. Six independent modelling projects were initiated as a result of an RFP in early 1990. Investigators supported for these modelling studies were encouraged to meet jointly on occasion to keep each other appraised of progress being made via formal presentations from each program. The most recent meeting was held in March, 1993 at the Southwest Fisheries Center of the National Marine Fisheries Service in La Jolla, California. Ten presentations were made at this meeting by U.S. GLOBEC researchers, and by other modellers carrying out related research programs. Topical Studies in Oceanography, an affiliated journal of Deep Sea Research devoted to publishing groups of related papers as special issues, agreed to publish papers resulting from the presentations delivered at the La Jolla meeting. These papers provide examples of the broader program of research being carried out by each research team as part of U.S. GLOBEC's initial modelling studies. The issue will be published in early 1994.