Furthermore, the process of solubilization during benthic invertebrate digestion is a very important determinant of bioaccumulation. Indeed, the factors controlling solubilization are more important than the factors influencing transport across the gut membrane in determining the bioaccumulation of Hg, MMHg and other metals. The integration of experimental methods, empirical studies, and modeling is required for extrapolation of results across temporal and spatial scales. Small but potentially significant changes in scaling pattern can be detected between years, seasons, and Bay sections. The spatial scaling relationships defined by these analyses have important implications for sampling protocols to characterize the mean and variation of ecological processes in the Chesapeake Bay.
Physical processes considered include diffusion, advection, and turbulent mixing.
The formulation of this model allows explicit consideration of the spatial variation in ecosystem processes on predicted pelagic dynamics. The effects of spatial heterogeneity in forcing functions are now being examined by varying the frequency, duration, intensity, and spatial pattern of these inputs. The analysis of simulation results by spectral and fractal techniques allows chlorophyll distributions, and subsequent trophic interactions, to be compared with the analysis of TIES data. Return to top of this document.