Ecology

Investigators at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Detail Research in Ecology Research

  2012 AUG 10 (VerticalNews) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Chemicals & Chemistry -- Current study results on Ecology Research have been published. According to news reporting originating from Seattle, Washington, by VerticalNews correspondents, research stated, "We provide a modeling framework that fully couples a one-dimensional physical mixed layer model, a biogeochemical model, and an upper trophic level fisheries model. For validation purposes, the model has been parameterized for the pelagic Eastern Pacific Subarctic Gyre ecosystem."

  Our news editors obtained a quote from the research from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "This paper presents a thorough description of the model itself, as well as an ensemble-based parameterization process that allows the model to incorporate the high level of uncertainty associated with many upper trophic level predator-prey processes. Through a series of model architecture experiments, we demonstrate that the use of a consistent functional response for all predator-prey interactions, as well as the use of density-dependent mortality rates for planktonic functional groups, are important factors in reproducing annual and seasonal observations."

  According to the news editors, the researchers concluded: "We present the results of a 50-year climatological simulation, which demonstrates that under contemporary physical forcing, the model is capable of reproducing long-term seasonal dynamics in primary production and biogeochemical cycling, while maintaining steady-state coexistence of upper trophic level functional groups at levels consistent with observations."

  For more information on this research see: Coupling planktonic ecosystem and fisheries food web models for a pelagic ecosystem: Description and validation for the subarctic Pacific. Ecological Modelling, 2012;237():43-62. Ecological Modelling can be contacted at: Elsevier Science Bv, PO Box 211, 1000 Ae Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Ecological Modelling - www.elsevier.com/wps/product/cws_home/503306)

  The news editors report that additional information may be obtained by contacting K.A. Kearney, NOAA, Alaska Fisheries Sci Center, Seattle, WA 98115, United States.

  Keywords for this news article include: Seattle, Chemistry, Washington, United States, Biogeochemical, Ecology Research, North and Central America

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