Primary production models and the problem of estimation of their parameters in various conditions of the water column

Abstract

The possibility of using a vertically generalized production model (VGPM) and Platt’s models in some localities of the South China Sea (Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam) is considered based on experimental data. Integrated primary production with correction to maximum chlorophyll-specific carbon fixation measured in natural conditions (PoptB) is estimated using VGPM. The high accuracy of Platt’s model is limited by the complexity of the evaluation of numerous photosynthetic parameters at various illuminations. This problem can be solved by means of a description of photosynthesis at various water temperatures, the mean attenuation of daily irradiation in the water column, and the ratio of the assimilation number and production during light saturation (PmB) and PoptB. The modified Platt’s model effectively predicts the integrated primary production in the region.