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.

该项目将使用理论方法和蓝蟹Callinectes sapidus作为模型生物体，研究对流，混合，生物体行为和环境变异对幼虫传输的交互作用。 尽管先前对幼虫运输的研究集中在出口和重新进入河口，但迫切需要系统地检查多个因素对河口和招募变异性的幼虫交换的相对重要性。数值循环模型和粒子跟踪算法已经成熟到准备解决这些问题的地步。 研究人员将使用耦合的流体动力粒子跟踪模型来系统地隔离并评估对流，混合，生物体行为和环境变异性的影响，并整合其复杂和非线性相互作用。 观察到的风和流动循环模式将使用中大西洋中部的可计算障碍的半思想化水动力模型模拟。数值模型中的颗粒将使用该地区的现场调查和实验室行为研究可用的广泛信息来模拟蓝蟹早期阶段。 这是在3D数值模型中系统地关注对流，混合，有机体行为和环境变异性之间复杂相互作用的首次建模工作，其中包括对亚网格尺度湍流过程的最新理解，垂直分析的蓝蟹幼虫行为以及检查雌激素系统之间的交换的能力。了解招募变异性的原因和沿海人口之间的联系强度是娱乐和商业上重要的蓝蟹研究的关键途径。蓝蟹渔业是一种宝贵的资源，目前在切萨皮克湾遇到质疑。了解产生招聘变异性的物理过程以及河口种群相互联系的程度，将有助于管理者做出更明智的决定，以维持可持续的蓝蟹渔业。尽管专注于蓝蟹，但研究结果将解决有关控制大陆架子上浮游生物幼虫大规模运输的基本问题，它们的返回托儿所以及河口系统之间交换的潜力。 除了增强我们对影响幼虫运输和招聘的复杂因素的理解外，该研究计划还具有强大的教育和外展成分，包括开发交互式网页。一名本科生将获得数值建模和数据分析培训。此外，一位教师研究员将获得与科学家合作的经验，并将研究结果转化为课程计划。研究人员参与了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与教育工作者之间的直接互动，并能够广泛分发研究结果。