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The effect of stochastic perturbations on plankton transport by internal solitary waves

The effect of stochastic perturbations on plankton transport by internal solitary waves
The effect of stochastic perturbations on plankton transport by internal solitary waves
Internal solitary and solitary-like waves are a commonly observed feature of density stratified natural waters,
including lakes and the coastal ocean. Since such waves induce significant currents throughout the water column they can be responsible for significant transport of both passive and swimming biota. We consider simple models of moving zooplankton based on the Langevin equation. The small amplitude randomness significantly alters the nature of particle motion. In particular, passage through the wave leads to strongly non Gaussian particle distributions. When the plankton swims to return to its equilibrium photic level, a steady state that balances randomness, swimming and wave-induced motions is possible. We discuss possible implications of this steady state for organisms that feed on plankton.
1001-1012
Stastna, M.
eb8d3e53-9e91-4e9d-ae03-2ea739ba0301
Poulin, F.J.
068bacca-cc53-4428-a4a3-29919d2ed041
Subich, C.
b16c0f7d-ad4d-4e79-b38b-4776d1a745e6
Mecking, J.V.
9b090069-5061-4340-b736-9690894ce203
Stastna, M.
eb8d3e53-9e91-4e9d-ae03-2ea739ba0301
Poulin, F.J.
068bacca-cc53-4428-a4a3-29919d2ed041
Subich, C.
b16c0f7d-ad4d-4e79-b38b-4776d1a745e6
Mecking, J.V.
9b090069-5061-4340-b736-9690894ce203

Stastna, M., Poulin, F.J., Subich, C. and Mecking, J.V. (2011) The effect of stochastic perturbations on plankton transport by internal solitary waves. Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics, 18 (6), 1001-1012. (doi:10.5194/npg-18-1001-2011).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Internal solitary and solitary-like waves are a commonly observed feature of density stratified natural waters,
including lakes and the coastal ocean. Since such waves induce significant currents throughout the water column they can be responsible for significant transport of both passive and swimming biota. We consider simple models of moving zooplankton based on the Langevin equation. The small amplitude randomness significantly alters the nature of particle motion. In particular, passage through the wave leads to strongly non Gaussian particle distributions. When the plankton swims to return to its equilibrium photic level, a steady state that balances randomness, swimming and wave-induced motions is possible. We discuss possible implications of this steady state for organisms that feed on plankton.

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Published date: 21 December 2011
Organisations: Physical Oceanography

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Local EPrints ID: 378187
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/378187
PURE UUID: eca51ff5-6e7b-4999-889e-c63bb9bd50c8

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Date deposited: 19 Jun 2015 12:16
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 20:18

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Contributors

Author: M. Stastna
Author: F.J. Poulin
Author: C. Subich
Author: J.V. Mecking

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