Ocean circulation models are three-dimensional representations of the ocean which are used for studying ocean circulation, climate change, organism distribution and dispersal, marine chemistry, and the distribution and transport of substances in the ocean, including sediments and marine pollutants. These models include factors such as surface air temperature, water temperature and salinity, wind forcing, ocean eddies, and realistic coastline and seafloor features in their calculations. Numerical models can include real-time oceanographic data from ships and satellites to produce forecasts of oceanic conditions, including the El Niño in the Pacific, and the position of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic.
Category: Methodology
Hydrology
Hydrology is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth. It encompasses both the hydrologic cycle and water resources. The discipline of hydrology includes the fields of hydrometeorology, surface hydrology, hydrogeology, drainage basin management, and water quality.
Plankton Analysis
For many years, Ocean Ecology performed marine plankton identification and enumeration (both phytoplankton and zooplankton) in its laboratory. Samples were collected using either a water bottle or a plankton net. After preservation, the samples were examinined using a microscope. Depending on the particular study being performed, analysis ranged from simply identifying and enumerating harmful algal species to a full analysis of all species present.
Conservation Planning
Conservation planning attempts to identify the best course of action to provide long-term protection for conservation targets identified at specific sites. It builds on an ecological summary of the site by adding the identification of conservation targets, threats (stresses and sources of stress), and recommended protection strategies and actions.
Habitat Mapping
Once a map showing the depth, or bathymetry, of a survey site has been generated, it is possible to classify the seafloor into zones based on variations in the bathymetry. These zones have distinct environmental conditions, and form the basis of ecosystem mapping (see above).
Species Modelling
Species modelling (also known as niche modelling) plays an important role in the prediction of species distributions. It provides a way to study biodiversity distribution, past and present, to understand its causes, and to propose scenarios and strategies for sustainable use and for preservation initiatives.
Geographic Information Systems
Geographical information systems (GIS) consist of computer-based methods of recording, analyzing, combining, and displaying geographic information such as shorelines, bathymetry, habitat types, sensitive areas, or any other feature that can be mapped. GIS are especially useful in management planning and resource-use decisions.
Species Distribution Mapping
Using our GPS-positioned, towed video camera, we collected imagery of the seabed along a series of transects.
Current Studies Using an ADCP
Equipment
Current studies were performed using a 0.4 MHz Nortek Aquadopp acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). The ADCP was mounted in a downwards-looking orientation on a retractable ADCP boom attached to the side of the research vessel. The retractable ADCP boom-mount used by Ocean Ecology was a highly modified adaptation of the concept presented by Hench et al. (2000) (“A portable retractable ADCP boom-mount for small boats“).