Assessing an efficient “Instant Acclimation” approximation of dynamic phytoplankton stoichiometry

Ward, Ben A. (2017) Assessing an efficient “Instant Acclimation” approximation of dynamic phytoplankton stoichiometry. Journal of Plankton Research, 39 (5), 803-814. (doi:10.1093/plankt/fbx040).

Record type: Article

Abstract

The variable elemental ratios of carbon to essential nutrients in marine organic matter affect the productivity of marine food-webs and the sequestration of carbon in the deep ocean. It is important that models of these systems are able to correctly reproduce observed trends. “Dynamic Quota” models have achieved some success in this regard, but the computational expense of transporting each state variable in ocean models has prevented many large-scale models from moving beyond a simpler “Fixed Stoichiometry” formulation. This article compares the Dynamic Quota and Fixed Stoichiometry models to a recent “Instant Acclimation” model, which combines the stoichiometric flexibility of the Dynamic Quota model with the computational efficiency of the Fixed Stoichiometry model. The Instant Acclimation model is mathematically equivalent to the Dynamic Quota model at equilibrium, and provides an accurate approximation under a wide range of dynamic conditions. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the Instant Acclimation model recommend it as a candidate for incorporating flexible stoichiometry into marine ecosystem models, especially in situations where the number of model state-variables is restricted.

This record has no associated files available for download.