A Lagrangian ensemble model of Calanus finmarchicus coupled with a 1-D ecosystem model

A population dynamics model of Calanus finmarchicus based on Lagrangian particles has been coupled with a 1-D ecosystem model. Each of the particles represents a variable number of copepods which experience the same fate. Therefore all copepods of a single particle represent a cohort and are characterized by a common set of individual properties such as age, development-stage, depth, structural weight (length), lipid pool or food satiation. The physical environment is parameterized by a 1-D-water column with a vertical resolution of 1 m and a maximum depth of 800 m. Copepod food supply is provided by an interactive Eulerian NPZD model where Z represents microzooplankton. The model correctly reproduces both the dynamics of the ecosystem and the life history of the copepods in the Norwegian Sea. Simulated results of trajectories of particles in the water column, and of individual growth and stage development were analysed. Results on seasonal abundance, development time, number of generations, depth profiles, and patterns of diurnal and ontogenic migration are compared with field data from OWS India.