Fennel, K. ., Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, katja.fennel@dal.ca
Hetland, R. D., Texas A&M, College Station, USA, hetland@tamu.edu
DiMarco, S. F., Texas A&M, College Station, USA, SDiMarco@tamu.edu

COUPLED PHYSICAL-BIOGEOCHEMICAL MODELING OF THE LOUISIANA DEAD ZONE

We present preliminary results from a NOAA-funded numerical modeling effort to develop a dynamic description of the physical-biogeochemical processes on the Texas-Louisiana Shelf. Our model consists of a realistic and highly resolved implementation of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) general circulation model coupled with a model of bio-chemical transformation processes in the water column and different levels of sediment models. We will focus in particular on the recurring summer hypoxia of the eastern shelf. Model results reproduce the basic features of the hypoxic zone. These include seasonality, size, location, duration, and vertical structure of the regions depleted of dissolved oxygen. The model also indicates that nutrient loading is an important factor in controlling the creation of reducible material, however, physical forcing processes, such as wind forcing, freshwater stratification, and current shear, control the spatial and temporal scales of variability of near-bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations. We will address the interannual variability of the hypoxic area and the effects of reduced and increased nutrient loadings and organic carbon inputs from the rivers and estuaries on the hypoxic area.

Poster presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:094
Date: 03-04-2008
Time: 17:30 - 19:30