2D finite element ecological model for the Curonian lagoon

Abstract

The results of application of 2D finite element model SHYFEM to the Curonian lagoon (Baltic Sea) are considered. SHYFEM consist of a physical processes module and an eutrophication module EUTRO adapted for the SHYFEM code from well known modelling system WASP. The SHY-FEM/EUTRO model calibration results were compared with the performance of various biogeochemical models analysed in other studies (153 studies published from 1990 to 2002). The performance of all corresponding state variablesdissolved oxygen, NO 3 , NH 4 , PO 4 , phyto-and zooplankton-was slightly lower than median model performance which could be considered satisfactory given the initial state of model formulation and calibration. Model underestimates phytoplankton autumn blooms, especially for the southern part of the lagoon, where fine sediments dominate and water residence time is high. It can be concluded that, in order to increase model performance, the eutrophication module should be improved to account for the dominance of different phytoplankton groups as well as for the exchanges between the sediments and the water column. The amount and quality of the data available for the model setup and calibration are unsatisfactory and should be improved for the development of the next enhanced model version.

Investigation of saline water intrusions into the Curonian Lagoon (Lithuania) and two-layer flow in the Klaipėda Strait using finite element hydrodynamic model

“…The numerical output of this model was used by Zemlys et al (2008) to investigate the dynamics of the Curonian Lagoon ecosystem. The aim of this study was to extend previous studies, developing the 3-D SHYFEM model to reveal characteristic features of water exchange between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea and related vertical and horizontal salinity distributions.…”

Chlorophyll-a Variability during Upwelling Events in the South-Eastern Baltic Sea and in the Curonian Lagoon from Satellite Observations

“…It connects to the Sea through the narrow (0.4-1.1 km) Klaipeda Strait in the northern part of the lagoon. The northern part of the lagoon is a transitory riverine-like system [34] with an active interaction with the Baltic Sea. The annual mean water salinity of 2.45 g kg −1 in the northern Curonian Lagoon can fluctuate up to as high as 7 g kg −1 due to the intrusion of Baltic water [35].…”

Trophic state evaluation after urban loads diversion in a eutrophic coastal lagoon (Óbidos Lagoon, Portugal): a modeling approach

“…Other studies on coastal lagoons and estuarine management in Europe have focused on the catchment area or in the lagoons/estuaries, without necessarily linking both (Gikas et al, 2006;Painting et al, 2007;Zemlys et al, 2008;Duarte et al, 2008;Stybel et al, 2009;Konstantinou et al, 2012;Azzellino et al, 2013).…”