Ocean mixed layer biological response to transient ocean events
By: Daniel P. Dusek
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 65
Description: A comparison of two versions of coupled physical and biological models of the oceanic mixed layer and upper pycnocline are presented: the first model (NPZ), based on Steel (1977), contains components for nutrients, phytoplankton and zooplankton; a second model (NPZD) based on equations from Flierl and Davis (1993) contains additional components for detritus and light budgets. These models were used to study short duration dynamic mixing events and the resulting biological response. This work demonstrates the differences between a basic NPZ model and a NPZD model with the inclusion of solar radiation. The goal of this study is to determine the effects of detritus and light on phytoplankton and zooplankton production on the short time scale. The model solutions show that biological modeling is very dependent on physical forcing parameters such as turbulent mixing and light attenuation in the water column. The effects of detritus are minimal in the short time scale when compared with other parameters.
Notes: "September 1997."

Thesis advisor(s): Roland W. Garwood.

Thesis (M.S. in Physical Oceanography)--Naval Postgraduate School, September 1997.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-63).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat reader.