ECOSMO

The numerical solution of the non-linear equations that govern the motions in the sea is a challenging task. Instead of importing some well-tested model, a subgroup of our department has developed its own model. This model, named ECOSMO (link), is an ecosystem model used for solving the dynamical, hydrographical, chemical, and biological evolution in selected regions of the ocean.

ECOSMO stems from the Hamburg Shelf Ocean Model. It uses fixed levels in the vertical and a free sea surface. Bottom layer thickness varies according to the bathymetry (Sketch). The model is for regional applications with open boundary values prescribed for sea level, temperature, salinity, and biogeochemical variables. Atmospheric forcing is by 6-hourly NCEP-reanalysis data. This may include air-sea heat fluxes and radiation, but ECOSMO has the option to calculate them internally. River runoff data must be supplied.

The ecosystem covered is the physical system (sea level, currents, temperature, salinity) the chemical system (oxygen content, nutrients), and the biological system (phytoplankton and zooplankton).

ECOSMO may also be coupled to an Individual Based Model (IBM) to explore the evolution of fish egg and larvae.

ECOSMO is parallelized. The model may be used as a diagnostic and a predictive tool to explore the marine ecosystem. It has been, and is currently used in several research projects.