Modeling aggregation and growth processes in an algal population model: analysis and computations |
| |
Authors: | Azmy S Ackleh Ben G Fitzpatrick |
| |
Institution: | (1) Center for Research in Scientific Computation and Department of Mathematics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8205, USA, US;(2) Current address: Department of Mathematics, University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, LA 70504-1010, USA, US |
| |
Abstract: | Aggregation, the formation of large particles through multiple collision of smaller ones is a highly visible phenomena in
oceanic waters which can control material flux to the deep sea. Oceanic aggregates more than 1 cm in diameter have been observed
and are frequently described to consist of phytoplankton cells as well as other organic matter such as fecel pellets and mucus
nets from pteropods. Division of live phytoplankton cells within an aggregate can also increase the size of aggregate (assuming
some daughter cells stay in the aggregate) and hence could be a significant factor in speeding up the formation process of
larger aggregate. Due to the difficulty of modeling cell division within aggregates, few efforts have been made in this direction.
In this paper, we propose a size structured approach that includes growth of aggregate size due to both cell division and
aggregation. We first examine some basic mathematical issues associated with the development of a numerical simulation of
the resulting algal aggregation model. The numerical algorithm is then used to examine the basic model behavior and present
a comparison between aggregate distribution with and without division in aggregates. Results indicate that the inclusion of
a growth term in aggregates, due to cell division, results in higher densities of larger aggregates; hence it has the impact
to speed clearance of organic matter from the surface layer of the ocean.
Received 1 July 1994; received in revised form 23 February 1996 |
| |
Keywords: | : Phytoplankton aggregation Size structure population model Numerical approximation |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|