Modelling approach of the planktonic vertical structure in deep austral water, the example of the Ross Sea ecosystem
Hecq, J.H.; Brasseur, P.; Goffart, A.; Lacroix, G.; Guglielmo, L. (1993). Modelling approach of the planktonic vertical structure in deep austral water, the example of the Ross Sea ecosystem, in: Progress in Belgian Oceanographic Research, Brussels, January 21-22, 1993. pp. 235-249
In: (1993). Progress in Belgian Oceanographic Research, Brussels, January 21-22, 1993. Royal Academy of Belgium. National Committee of Oceanology: Brussel. 287 pp., more
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Document type: Conference paper
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| Authors | | Top |
- Hecq, J.H., more
- Brasseur, P.
- Goffart, A., more
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- Lacroix, G., more
- Guglielmo, L.
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| Abstract |
Hydrological, chemical and biological data obtained during a Vth Ross Sea ITALIANTARTIDE cruise have confirmed that the most important factors regulating the Antarctic pelagic food chain are physical processes operating within the circumpolar marginal ice zone during the ice melting period. As a typical characteristic of the Ross Sea, the ice free surface is propagating from the South to the North, with an increase of the water surface exposed to the sunlight. The diversity of pattern of water characteristics vertical profiles in Ross sea area seems due to specific local constraints more than diversity of ecosystem. First, the ice edge melting is not simultaneous for the whole region, the central and southern part being opened sooner than the lateral part. Secondly, the areas of depth shallower than 500m seems to be inaccessible to krill which is strongly influencing the utilisation of primary production. Finally, the western part of the Ross Sea is richer in phytoplankton than the eastern side probably because the different ice algae content of the ice pack. First steps in coupling a ID physical and a biological model in the Ross Sea are presented. Following pattern is proposed: ice algae are liberated by melting ice, growth and sediment in the upper mixed layer, are influenced by light and turbulence and are grazed by zooplankton and later other planktonic populations are regenerated. |
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