This study applies the Carbon-Generic Estuary Model (C-GEM) modeling platform to simulate the estuarine biogeochemical dynamics - in particular the air-water CO2 exchange - in three idealized tidal estuaries characterized by increasing riverine influence, from a so-called "marine estuary" to a "riverine estuary". An intermediate case called "mixed estuary" is also considered. C-GEM uses a generic biogeochemical reaction network and a unique set of model parameters extracted from a comprehensive literature survey to perform steady-state simulations representing average conditions for temperate estuaries worldwide. Climate and boundary conditions are extracted from published global databases (e.g., World Ocean Atlas, GLORICH) and catchment model outputs (GlobalNEWS2). The whole-system biogeochemical indicators net ecosystem metabolism (NEM), C and N filtering capacities (FCTC and FCTN, respectively) and CO2 gas exchanges (FCO2) are calculated across the three idealized systems and are related to their main hydrodynamic and transport characteristics. A sensitivity analysis, which propagates the parameter uncertainties, is also carried out, followed by projections of changes in the biogeochemical indicators for the year 2050.
Department of Geoscience, Environment and Society, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
Recommended Citation:
Volta C,, Gildas Laruelle G,, Arndt S,et al. Linking biogeochemistry to hydro-geometrical variability in tidal estuaries: A generic modeling approach[J]. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences,2016-01-01,20(3)