Modeling the Coupling of Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry

Joint Program Reprint • Journal Article
Modeling the Coupling of Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry
Dutkiewicz, S., M.J. Follows and J. Bragg (2009)
Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 23(GB4017): 1-15

Reprint 2009-24 [Read Full Article]

Abstract/Summary:

We examine the interplay between ecology and biogeochemical cycles in the context of a global three-dimensional ocean model where self-assembling phytoplankton communities emerge from a wide set of potentially viable cell types. We consider the complex model solutions in the light of resource competition theory. The emergent community structures and ecological regimes vary across different physical environments in the model ocean: Strongly seasonal, high-nutrient regions are dominated by fast growing bloom specialists, while stable, low-seasonality regions are dominated by organisms that can grow at low nutrient concentrations and are suited to oligotrophic conditions. In the latter regions, the framework of resource competition theory provides a useful qualitative and quantitative diagnostic tool with which to interpret the outcome of competition between model organisms, their regulation of the resource environment, and the sensitivity of the system to changes in key physiological characteristics of the cells.

© 2009 American Geophysical Union

Citation:

Dutkiewicz, S., M.J. Follows and J. Bragg (2009): Modeling the Coupling of Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 23(GB4017): 1-15 (http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/2009/2008GB003405.shtml)
  • Joint Program Reprint
  • Journal Article
Modeling the Coupling of Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry

Dutkiewicz, S., M.J. Follows and J. Bragg

2009-24
23(GB4017): 1-15

Abstract/Summary: 

We examine the interplay between ecology and biogeochemical cycles in the context of a global three-dimensional ocean model where self-assembling phytoplankton communities emerge from a wide set of potentially viable cell types. We consider the complex model solutions in the light of resource competition theory. The emergent community structures and ecological regimes vary across different physical environments in the model ocean: Strongly seasonal, high-nutrient regions are dominated by fast growing bloom specialists, while stable, low-seasonality regions are dominated by organisms that can grow at low nutrient concentrations and are suited to oligotrophic conditions. In the latter regions, the framework of resource competition theory provides a useful qualitative and quantitative diagnostic tool with which to interpret the outcome of competition between model organisms, their regulation of the resource environment, and the sensitivity of the system to changes in key physiological characteristics of the cells.

© 2009 American Geophysical Union