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CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research
Past Seminars

Seminar Abstract

A size-resolved pelagic ecosystem model

Size determines the rates of physical and physiological processes affecting plankton. Emerging from this dependence is a characteristic size distribution in the world's ocean, often referred to as the biomass size spectrum. Size-structured models, where a set number of size-classes is embedded in the model structure, are presently used to consider this phenomena.

In this talk, a model is constructed using equations describing a continuous size-spectrum of phytoplankton, protozoan and metazoan. As such, size is like spatial resolution in a hydrodynamic model, with the number of size classes depending on the resolution of the numerical solution, and not on the model equations. Preliminary results will be present for a 2D simulation (depth x offshore) with 16 phytoplankton, 11 protozoan and 45 metazoan size classes. Analytical solutions of the model are also investigated to understand the underlying reasons for the distribution of size classes in marine waters.

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CSIRO = Marine Laboratories Auditorium, Castray Esplanade, Hobart

For further information, or to schedule a seminar, contact:
Peter Oke, (Oceanographic seminars) CSIRO Marine Research (03) 6232 5387
Piers Dunstan, (Biological seminars) CSIRO Marine Research (03) 6232 5382
Kerrie Bidwell, Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC (03) 6226 2265 & IASOS, University of Tasmania (03) 6226 2509