How are models developed?

Ecosystem models require the coupling of a biological model (computing different concentrations of parameters) and a hydrodynamic model (dealing with waves, turbulence, stream and tide).

Results of an ecosystem model showing the concentration of nitrates in sea water in the Southern North Sea at the end of February. Dark blue indicates high concentration, medium blue medium concentration and pale blue a low concentration. The coastline of France (F), Belgium (B), Netherlands (NL) and the United Kingdom (UK) are indicated by the black line and the extent of the Belgian Economic Exclusion Zone is indicated by the grey line. The three main rivers discharging nitrates into this area are shown. Nitrate concentration decreases going away from these river mouths.



Results of the physics component of the ecosystem model showing the salinity of sea water in the Southern North Sea averaged over one year. The coastline of France (F), Belgium (B), Netherlands (NL) and the United Kingdom (UK) are indicated by the black line and the extent of the Belgian Economic Exclusion Zone is indicated by the grey line. Dark blue indicates the high salinity, i.e. most salty water, pale blue indicates low salinity and medium blue indicates intermediate salinity. Rivers discharge freshwater with low salinity and salinity can be used to trace where this river water disperses to. Arrows indicate the averaged current speed and direction.

The realism of ecosystem models ("model validation") is assessed using by comparing their results with data from measurements made at sea by MUMM and the Université Libre de Bruxelles using the Belgica, in the frame of our monitoring activities.

MUMM's ecosystem modelling activities are funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office "Sustainable Development North Sea program" and are carried out in collaboration with the "Ecologie des Systèmes Aquatiques" (ESA) lab of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (C.Lancelot), the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences of Oregon State University (Y.Spitz), and the Laboratory of Ecology and Systematics of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (N.Daro) in the AMORE project. Further details on the project can be obtained from the coordinator.

 Why do we use ecosystem models?

 Results