CCAMLR-2000 Synoptic Survey Post-cruise analysis

Modelling the development of the distribution of krill in the Scotia Sea

E.J. Murphy et al.

Abstract

The CCAMLR 2000 synoptic survey generated a large-scale characterization of the distribution of krill in the Scotia Sea. This near-synoptic geographical description of the distribution of krill biomass provides a unique basis for examining the development of the distribution of krill in the Scotia Sea. Velocity fields from regional circulation models have been used to examine the trajectories of passive tracers to consider the expected movement of krill through the region. A grid-based model realization was derived to consider the spatial and temporal evolution of the full krill biomass field. Mean and variable velocity fields were used to consider variation in the evolution in the biomass distribution. The model analysis included biological changes in krill biomass through growth and mortality of krill during the development of the distribution. Vertically resolved velocity field data were combined with data on the depth distribution of krill to consider the importance of vertical interactions in generating the observed distribution. The seasonal spatial and temporal evolution of the sea-ice field from satellite-based observations was included in the model runs. Krill behavioural interaction with the sea-ice was simulated through simple rule based links to examine the effects of an evolving sea-ice field on the development of the krill distribution.

Any questions then please contact a member of the Steering Committee or the lead author

Dr Jon Watkins (Chairman)
j.watkins@bas.ac.uk

Dr Roger Hewitt
rhewitt@ucsd.edu

Dr Mikio Naganobu
naganobu@enyo.affrc.go.jp

Dr Viacheslav Sushin
sushin@atlant.baltnet.ru

Dr Steve Nicol

Dr Eugene Murphy
e.murphy@bas.ac.uk

Current status of submitted papers

Contents

return to CCAMLR Synoptic survey home page

Page last updated on 26 September 2001