Optimality-based Plankton Modelling

durch Markus Pahlow (GEOMAR)

Mittwoch 11.02.2026, 13:15 → 14:30 Europe/Berlin

5-1.213 - PAZIFIK / PACIFIC- Rechte Seite - Großer, unterteilbarer Konferenzraum (GEOMAR - Standort Ostufer / GEOMAR - East Shore)

Abstract:

Optimality-based modelling has improved our understanding of the regulation of phytoplankton stoichiometry and zooplankton feeding as observed in lab experiments.  The optimality-constraint reduces the number of model parameters, which facilitates model calibration.  I will present an overview of what we have learned by using optimality-based phytoplankton growth, nitrogen fixation, and zooplankton grazing in the UVic-OPEM Earth system model.  The variable stoichiometry has resulted in improved distributions of inorganic nutrients.  Sensitivity analyses with large ensembles of simulations reveal a central role of phytoplankton nutrient requirements (subsistence quotas) for marine biogeochemistry on long time scales. The optimality-based stoichiometry regulation also appears to stabilise the oceanic nitrogen inventory, so that increasing the oceanic phosphorus inventory has only very limited effects on marine productivity.

Meeting-Link:

https://geomar.webex.com/geomar/j.php?MTID=m7dfa143383f625352b3b79962018ee54