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Small should be the New Big: High-resolution Models with Small Segments have Big Advantages when Modeling Eutrophication in the Great Lakes
Citation:
PAUER, J., A. ANSTEAD, W. MELENDEZ, AND R. ROSSMANN. Small should be the New Big: High-resolution Models with Small Segments have Big Advantages when Modeling Eutrophication in the Great Lakes. Presented at 2009 IAGLR Annual Conference, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, May 18 - 22, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
The advantages of using this high-resolution model to describe eutrophication, as well as setting nutrient loading targets in the Great Lakes, will be discussed.
Description:
Historical mathematical models, especially Great Lakes eutrophication models, traditionally used course segmentation schemes and relatively simple hydrodynamics to represent system behavior. Although many modelers have claimed success using such models, these representations can introduce large inaccuracies in describing the system and making predictions. A high-resolution modeling framework improves estimates of phytoplankton concentrations in Lake Michigan. High-resolution frameworks are especially important when water temperatures, primary production and phytoplankton concentration gradients in the lake exist during spring. Frequent solar radiation estimates improve the calculation of light limitation and thus phytoplankton production and concentration in the lake. Using three-hour solar radiation estimates instead of daily averages, which are most commonly used in eutrophication models, improves the production estimate during mid-day when the sun inhibits algal growth at the lake’s surface. The advantages of using this high-resolution model to describe eutrophication, as well as setting nutrient loading targets in the Great Lakes, will be discussed.