Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Dataset: Baywide Distribution Of Benthic Ecological Functions In The Past Decades In The Chesapeake Bay, Philip Ignatoff, Xun Cai, Kara Gadeken

Data

We undertook the collection and analysis of long-term benthos data from the Chesapeake Bay Benthic Monitoring Plan. Multiple ecological function traits related to feeding and disturbance were assigned to each observed benthic species based on a thorough literature review. The spatial distributions of the ecological function groups will be utilized in a 3D hydrodynamic biogeochemistry model simulation. This approach aids in estimating the contributions of benthos to estuarine hypoxia and nutrient dynamics. Furthermore, it fosters a connection between ecologists and modelers, promoting collaborative efforts in understanding and modeling the ecosystem.