Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

CS37 Zooplankton

Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2001, Time: 12:00:00 PM

Location: Aztec

Hofmann, E, E, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA, hofmann@ccpo.odu.edu

Haskell, A, G, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA, haskell@ccpo.odu.edu

Klinck, J, M, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA, klinck@ccpo.odu.edu

Lascara, C, M, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA, lascara@ccpo.odu.edu

Lagrangian Modeling Studies of the Spatial Dynamics of Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba)

A two-dimensional Lagrangian model was developed to examine the spatial distribution of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). The time-dependent location of particles, representing krill individuals, is described in terms of passive, i.e., random processes representing diffusion, and active forces. Active transport occurs as a result of foraging activity and movement induced by the presence of neighbors. Foraging activity is such that krill swim slower in areas of high food concentration. The presence of neighbors will serve to either disperse or coalesce krill if local concentrations become too dense or dilute, respectively. Predation on krill is defined such that high local krill density, as in a swarm, makes the krill more susceptible to predators. Simulations show that food availability is the primary factor underlying the formation of krill swarms. Simulations using food distributions that might be encountered when moving across a boundary, such as those associated with fronts, eddies, or sea ice edge, show rapid formation of swarms with spatial scales of 5-10 meters. Predation alters the overall size of these swarms but does not change the formation of the swarms.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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