Three-dimensional oligotrophic ecosystem models driven by physical forcing: the Mediterranean Sea case

An analysis of existing biochemical datasets, collected using different measurements methods, confirms peculiarities of the Mediterranean Sea, such as its oligotrophy, easterly decreasing gradients, and influence of hydrodynamics on the biochemical patterns. Thus assessment of this marine environment requires a model based on a three-dimensional characterization of the ecosystem dynamics. The model, which covers all the Mediterranean basin, conceptually takes into accounts the cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus through the detritus and food chains. It includes as major compartments dissolved inorganic nutrients, two pools of phytoplankton producers, one of zooplankton, and detritus. Dynamic of dissolved oxygen is also simulated. Simulations are presented and results from this conceptualization are reported. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.