Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Modeling Nutrient And Plankton Processes In The California Coastal Transition Zone: 1. A Time- And Depth-Dependent Model, J. R. Moisan, Eileen E. Hofmann

CCPO Publications

A time- and depth-dependent, physical-bio-optical model was developed for the California coastal transition zone (CTZ) with the overall objective of understanding and quantifying the processes that contribute to the vertical and temporal development of nutrient and plankton distributions in the CTZ. The model food web components included silicate, nitrate, ammonium, two phytoplankton size fractions, copepods, doliolids, euphausiids, and a detritus pool. The wavelength-dependent subsurface irradiance field was attenuated by sea water and phytoplankton pigments. The one-dimensional (1-D) model adequately simulated the development and maintenance of a subsurface chlorophyll maximum in different regions within the CTZ. An analysis of the individual …