From Data Collection to Modeling

August 18, 2014

Modeling of fish populations and their trophic interactions is an essential element for defining targets for sustainable fisheries, and estimating benefits of rebuilding stocks. The effects of seasonal migrations of interacting fish species and population feeding habits are modeled by GSO fisheries biologists to better explore the consequences of different harvest strategies and changes in population distribution.

 

Narragansett Bay is the most data-rich estuary in the world in terms of current speed and direction obtained from long-term acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) and underway transects, current meters, and long-running buoys collecting temperature, salinity, and water quality data. The two thick orange arrows illustrate the basic circulation pattern, into the Bay through the East Passage, and out through the West Passage. However, instantaneous measurements at specific times indicate that the basic pattern is strongly influenced by tides, wind strength and direction (arrows of various colors and lengths) Data compiled by Chris Kincaid, Dave Ullman, Rob Pockalny, and Dan Codiga, and from theses of their graduate students.
Narragansett Bay is the most data-rich estuary in the world in terms of current speed and direction obtained from long-term acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) and underway transects, current meters, and long-running buoys collecting temperature, salinity, and water quality data. The two thick orange arrows illustrate the basic circulation pattern, into the Bay through the East Passage, and out through the West Passage. However, instantaneous measurements at specific times indicate that the basic pattern is strongly influenced by tides, wind strength and direction (arrows of various colors and lengths) Data compiled by Chris Kincaid, Dave Ullman, Rob Pockalny, and Dan Codiga, and from theses of their graduate students

Estuarine/tidal water exchange between Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound is measured by current data collected via an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) attached to a ferry operating in the area waters. Results confirm the effect of the Coriolis force (due to Earth’s rotation) on the distribution of the water flow.
The flow of water in and out of Narragansett Bay (from tides, ground water, and streams) is modeled from data derived from many strategically placed current-measuring instruments. The resulting hydrodynamic numerical model predicts the distribution of pollutants and larval organisms in the estuary. The model also links water transport, wind, and nutrients with oxygen deficiency in the Bay.

 

Although tsunamis are normally caused by undersea earthquakes, smaller tsunami events caused by weather (sea level rise of less than 1 m) are evident in coastal tidal gauge records. A cross-disciplinary team of GSO geologists and physical oceanographers identified one such “meteotsunami” observed in Narragansett Bay in 2013 and traced the source of the event to a squall line over the eastern U.S. coastal waters.
Fitted with specialized sensors, autonomous surface vessels (ASV) collect data on a range of parameters in Narragansett Bay and coastal waters. They measure currents, temperature, depth, pH, oxygen, turbidity, and chlorophyll, and incorporate side-scan sonar to peer at the bottom sediments.