Collaborative Research: Larval Transport in a Coupled-Estuary-Shelf System: A Modeling Study

合作研究：河口陆架耦合系统中的幼虫运输：建模研究

• 批准号: 0424932
• 负责人: Elizabeth North
• 金额: $ 25.35万
• 依托单位: University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-11-01 至 2009-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0424932&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Collaborative; Research; Larval; Transport; Coupled

This project will investigate the interactive effects of advection, mixing, organism behavior and environmental variability on larval transport in a coupled-estuary-shelf system using a theoretical approach, and the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, as the model organism. Although previous research on larval transport has focused on export and re-entry to an estuary, there is a critical need to systematically examine the relative importance of multiple factors on the regional-scale exchange of larvae between estuaries and on recruitment variability. Numerical circulation models and particle-tracking algorithms have matured to the point where they are ready to address these problems. Investigators will use a coupled hydrodynamic-particle tracking model to systematically isolate and evaluate the effects of advection, mixing, organism behavior and environmental variability, and to integrate their complex and nonlinear interactions. Observed wind- and flow-driven circulation patterns will be simulated with a computationally tractable semi-idealized hydrodynamic model of the Middle Atlantic Bight. Particles within the numerical model will simulate blue crab early-life stages using the extensive information available from field investigations and laboratory behavior studies in this region. This is the first modeling effort that systematically focuses on the complex interactions between advection, mixing, organism behavior and environmental variability in a 3D numerical model that includes the latest understanding of sub-grid scale turbulent processes, vertically resolved blue crab larval behavior, and the ability to examine exchange between estuarine systems. Understanding the cause of recruitment variability and the strength of connections between coastal populations is a critical avenue of research for the recreationally and commercially important blue crab. The blue crab fishery is a valuable resource whose sustainability is currently in question in Chesapeake Bay. Understanding the physical processes that generate recruitment variability, and the degree of interconnectedness of estuarine populations, will help managers make more informed decisions for maintaining a sustainable blue crab fishery. Although focused on blue crabs, research results will be address fundamental, universal questions about factors that control large-scale transport of planktonic larvae on continental shelves, their return to nursery areas, and potential for exchange between estuarine systems. In addition to enhancing our understanding of the complex factors that affect larval transport and recruitment, this research program has a strong education and outreach component, including development of an interactive web page. One undergraduate summer student will gain numerical modeling and data analysis training. Also, one teacher Fellow will gain experience working with scientists and translating research results into lesson plans. The investigators involvement in the MA-COSEE program, the mentoring of a teacher Fellow, and development of a web page will promote direct interaction between scientists and educators and enable broad dissemination of research results.

该项目将采用理论方法，以蓝蟹（Callinectes sapidus）作为模式生物，研究平流、混合、生物行为和环境变化对河口陆架耦合系统中幼虫运输的相互作用影响。 尽管以前关于幼体运输的研究主要集中在出口和重新进入河口，但迫切需要系统地研究多种因素对河口之间区域规模的幼体交换和招募变异性的相对重要性。数值循环模型和粒子跟踪算法已经成熟到可以解决这些问题。 研究人员将使用耦合的流体动力学-粒子跟踪模型来系统地分离和评估平流、混合、生物行为和环境变化的影响，并整合它们复杂的非线性相互作用。 观测到的风和水流驱动的环流模式将通过计算可处理的中大西洋湾半理想化水动力模型进行模拟。数值模型中的粒子将利用该地区实地调查和实验室行为研究提供的大量信息来模拟蓝蟹的早期生命阶段。 这是第一个在 3D 数值模型中系统地关注平流、混合、生物行为和环境变化之间复杂相互作用的建模工作，其中包括对次网格尺度湍流过程的最新理解、垂直解析的蓝蟹幼虫行为以及检查河口系统之间交换的能力。了解补充变异的原因以及沿海种群之间的联系强度是研究具有重要娱乐和商业价值的蓝蟹的重要途径。蓝蟹渔业是一种宝贵的资源，其可持续性目前在切萨皮克湾受到质疑。了解产生补充变异性的物理过程以及河口种群的相互关联程度，将有助于管理人员做出更明智的决策，以维持可持续的蓝蟹渔业。虽然研究重点是蓝蟹，但研究结果将解决一些基本的、普遍的问题，例如控制浮游幼虫在大陆架上大规模运输、它们返回育苗区以及河口系统之间交换潜力的因素。 除了增强我们对影响幼虫运输和招募的复杂因素的理解之外，该研究计划还具有强大的教育和推广内容，包括开发交互式网页。一名本科暑期学生将接受数值建模和数据分析培训。此外，一名教师研究员将获得与科学家合作并将研究成果转化为课程计划的经验。研究人员参与 MA-COSEE 计划、教师研究员的指导以及网页的开发将促进科学家和教育工作者之间的直接互动，并促进研究成果的广泛传播。