Biogeochemical versus ecological consequences of modeled ocean physics

Sophie Clayton,Christopher Hill,Stephanie Dutkiewicz,Michael J Follows,Patrick Heimbach,Oliver Jahn

doi:10.5194/bg-14-2877-2017

Abstract

Abstract. We present a systematic study of the differences generated by coupling the same ecological–biogeochemical model to a 1°, coarse-resolution, and 1∕6°, eddy-permitting, global ocean circulation model to (a) biogeochemistry (e.g., primary production) and (b) phytoplankton community structure. Surprisingly, we find that the modeled phytoplankton community is largely unchanged, with the same phenotypes dominating in both cases. Conversely, there are large regional and seasonal variations in primary production, phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass. In the subtropics, mixed layer depths (MLDs) are, on average, deeper in the eddy-permitting model, resulting in higher nutrient supply driving increases in primary production and phytoplankton biomass. In the higher latitudes, differences in winter mixed layer depths, the timing of the onset of the spring bloom and vertical nutrient supply result in lower primary production in the eddy-permitting model. Counterintuitively, this does not drive a decrease in phytoplankton biomass but results in lower zooplankton biomass. We explain these similarities and differences in the model using the framework of resource competition theory, and find that they are the consequence of changes in the regional and seasonal nutrient supply and light environment, mediated by differences in the modeled mixed layer depths. Although previous work has suggested that complex models may respond chaotically and unpredictably to changes in forcing, we find that our model responds in a predictable way to different ocean circulation forcing, despite its complexity. The use of frameworks, such as resource competition theory, provides a tractable way to explore the differences and similarities that occur. As this model has many similarities to other widely used biogeochemical models that also resolve multiple phytoplankton phenotypes, this study provides important insights into how the results of running these models under different physical conditions might be more easily understood.

Highlights

Ocean general circulation models have proved an invaluable tool for studying the role of phytoplankton in the global biogeochemical cycles of climatically important elements
We describe differences in some of the physical properties most directly relevant to biogeochemical processes: sea surface temperature (SST) and mixed layer depth (MLD)
3.1 Primary production and biomass. Both model configurations result in largely similar patterns in phytoplankton biomass and primary production, with low biomass and productivity associated with the subtropical gyres, and with higher biomass and productivity found in the mid-latitudes and upwelling zones

Summary

Introduction

Ocean general circulation models have proved an invaluable tool for studying the role of phytoplankton in the global biogeochemical cycles of climatically important elements. Recent advances have resulted in ever-higher-resolution physical models of the ocean circulation (Menemenlis et al, 2008) and more complex ecological models incorporating larger numbers of phytoplankton functional groups and even individual phytoplankton phenotypes (Follows and Dutkiewicz, 2011). This trend for increasing resolution and complexity is aimed at creating model systems which incorporate some of the complexity seen in reality, with the hope of better resolving biogeochemical processes. Observations have shown that phytoplankton biomass and community structure have characteristic temporal and spatial scales

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion