A Synoptic View of Carbon and Oxygen Dynamics in European Regional Seas: an Approach Coupling Modelled and Satellite Datasets - Part A: Conceptual Model and Sensitivity Analysis

摘要

A major work package of the JRC/IES FP6 Action 2121 ECOMAR is related to the further development and validation of ecological indices and the development of value added products of state and process of coastal and marine ecosystems in European regional seas. In this context a specific task is to develop, apply and validate a model for the quantification of oxygen and carbon cycles in shallow coastal waters exposed or sensitive to eutrophication. This model should be used for a more accurate quantification of oxygen depletion risk at a pan-European level. In this report the development of an accurate model for oxygen and carbon cycles in shelf and eutrophicated areas is presented. Following the recent development of eutrophication indices for coastal and marine areas, OXYRISK and PSA, and several recent attempts to implement a thorough but simple coupled benthic/pelagic model, the new model is applied in highly eutrophicated and sensitive coastal areas of the European seas. A new approach is proposed coupling a 3D hydrodynamic and a 1D ecosystem model, supplied with primary production data derived from satellite remote sensing. This approach allows getting a synoptic view in time and space of carbon and dissolved oxygen concentrations for different basins. A first application of the model is made for the Baltic Sea. The biogeochemical sub-model includes coupled benthic/pelagic processes specifically addressing oxygen quantification in the sediment, as in the benthic and upper layers of the water column. This ecosystem model will be gradually developed further from a simple (POC)/(DO) model into a NPZD/sediment model, while being fully coupled with the hydrodynamic model for advection and diffusion processes. The model will be validated along with its application as an eutrophication assessment tool for European seas.