Carl F. Cerco

Phytoplankton Kinetics in the Chesapeake Bay Eutrophication Model

The CE-Qual-ICM model computes phytoplankton biomass and production as a function of temperature, light, and nutrients. Biomass is computed as carbon while inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica are considered as nutrients. Model formulations for production, metabolism, predation, nutrient limitation, and light limitation are detailed. Methods of parameter determination and parameter values are presented. Results of model application to a ten-year period in Chesapeake Bay indicate the model provides reasonable representations of observed biomass, nutrient concentrations, and limiting factors. Computed primary production agrees with observed under light-limited conditions. Under strongly nutrient-limited conditions, computed product is less than observed. The production characteristics of the model are similar to behavior reported for several similar models. Process omitted from the model that may account for production shortfalls include variable algal stoichiometry, use of urea as nutrient, and vertical migration by phytoplankton.

Visualization of water quality data for the Chesapeake Bay

We discuss a visualization system for the comparison of simulated and measured water quality. The system extends SCIRT (Site Characterization Interactive Research Toolkit), an interactive system originally developed at the NSF Engineering Research Center for Computational Field Simulation at Mississippi State University. The ongoing study of the Chesapeake Bay presents research in 3D visualization of model-data comparisons.

Development and evaluation of a coupled hydrodynamic (FVCOM) and water quality model (CE-QUAL-ICM)

Recent and frequent fish-kills in waters otherwise known for their pristine high quality, created increased awareness and urgent concern regarding potential for degradation of water quality in Puget Sound through coastal eutrophication caused by increased nutrient loading. Following a detailed review of leading models and tools available in public domain, FVCOM and CE-QUAL-ICM models were selected to conduct hydrodynamic and water quality simulations for the fjordal waters of Puget Sound.