A model of phytoplankton blooms

The American Naturalist
Amit HuppertLewi Stone

Abstract

A simple model that describes the dynamics of nutrient-driven phytoplankton blooms is presented. Apart from complicated simulation studies, very few models reported in the literature have taken this "bottom-up" approach. Yet, as discussed and justified from a theoretical standpoint, many blooms are strongly controlled by nutrients rather than by higher trophic levels. The analysis identifies an important threshold effect: a bloom will only be triggered when nutrients exceed a certain defined level. This threshold effect should be generic to both natural blooms and most simulation models. Furthermore, predictions are given as to how the peak of the bloom Pmax is determined by initial conditions. A number of counterintuitive results are found. In particular, it is shown that increasing initial nutrient or phytoplankton levels can act to decrease Pmax. Correct predictions require an understanding of such factors as the timing of the bloom and the period of nutrient buildup before the bloom.

References

Sep 22, 2007·Bulletin of Mathematical Biology·U FrankeK Jöhnk
Sep 22, 2007·Bulletin of Mathematical Biology·A M Edwards, J Brindley
Aug 19, 2008·The American Naturalist·E Litchman, C A Klausmeier
Mar 1, 1994·Photosynthesis Research·P G Falkowski

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Aug 1, 2007·Journal of Biological Physics·Subhendu ChakrabortyJ Chattopadhyay
Jun 24, 2004·Bulletin of Mathematical Biology·Amit HuppertLewi Stone
May 27, 2005·Journal of Theoretical Biology·Amit HuppertLewi Stone
Sep 27, 2003·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·B A MengeM S Webster
Jul 22, 2004·The American Naturalist·Egbert H van Nes, Marten Scheffer
Jun 8, 2012·The American Naturalist·Christopher A Klausmeier, Elena Litchman
Nov 10, 2009·Journal of Theoretical Biology·Alexei B RyabovBernd Blasius
May 6, 2008·Journal of Theoretical Biology·Joydev ChattopadhyayEzio Venturino
Aug 25, 2015·Journal of Theoretical Biology·Ming ChenHuaiping Zhu
Apr 7, 2015·Mathematical Biosciences·Subhendu ChakrabortyJ Chattopadhyay
Aug 13, 2004·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Sébastien Clodong, Bernd Blasius
Apr 15, 2015·Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics·Chuanjun DaiYapei Wang
Feb 16, 2013·Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics·Piero Olla
Jul 3, 2021·Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering : MBE·He LiuMin Zhao
Jul 16, 2021·Frontiers in Plant Science·Christopher J WilliamsonMartyn Tranter

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.