Sensitivity of ecosystem parameters to simulated satellite ocean color data using a coupled physical-biological model of the North Atlantic

Authors: Gunson J.; Oschlies A.; Garçon V.

Source: Journal of Marine Research, Volume 57, Number 4, 1 July 1999 , pp. 613-639(27)

Publisher: Sears Foundation for Marine Research

Abstract:

A means of assimilating simulated satellite ocean color data with a coupled physical-biological model of the North Atlantic Ocean is implemented, allowing the relative sensitivities of different biological parameters to those data to be investigated. The model consists of an eddy-permitting general circulation model derived from the WOCE Community Modeling Effort and a nitrogen-based, four-compartment NPZD marine ecosystem model. Many of the parameters in marine ecosystem models are poorly known and via assimilation, we hope to better constrain their values. The control parameters chosen for the variational assimilation are the model parameters involved in parameterizations of recycling as these are the most poorly known. Simulated observations are taken while following several floats seeded in varying dynamical biogeochemical provinces of the North Atlantic model domain over a six-month period. Twin experimental results show that, for the given functional forms of growth, mortality and grazing, the following parameters can be successfully recovered from simulated satellite ocean color data: nitrate and detrital recycling parameters in the trade wind domain, zooplankton parameters at higher latitudes (westerly wind and polar domains), and the phytoplankton mortality rate in all regions. By simultaneously assimilating ocean color data in different biological provinces, it becomes possible to successfully constrain all ecosystem parameters at once.

References: 19 references open in new window

Articles that cite this article?

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1357/002224099321549611

Publication date: 1999-07-01

More about this publication?

• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Oceanography
• By this author: Gunson J. ;  Oschlies A. ;  Garçon V.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers