Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2016-232
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2016-232
14 Jun 2016
 | 14 Jun 2016
Status: this discussion paper is a preprint. It has been under review for the journal Biogeosciences (BG). The manuscript was not accepted for further review after discussion.

Using coupled hydrodynamic biogeochemical models to predict the effects of tidal turbine arrays on phytoplankton dynamics

Pia Schuchert, Louise Kregting, Daniel Pritchard, Graham Savidge, and Björn Elsäßer

Abstract. Coupled 2-dimensional biogeochemical and hydrodynamic models offer the opportunity to predict potential effects of large scale tidal energy device (TED) arrays on the local and regional phytoplankton dynamics in coastal and inshore environments. In an idealised environment the effect of TEDs on phytoplankton dynamics accounted for up to 25 % in phytoplankton concentrations, most likely associated with an increased residence time in an inshore basin. However, natural variation such as the intensity of photosynthetically active radiation had a larger effect on phytoplankton dynamics.

Pia Schuchert, Louise Kregting, Daniel Pritchard, Graham Savidge, and Björn Elsäßer
Pia Schuchert, Louise Kregting, Daniel Pritchard, Graham Savidge, and Björn Elsäßer
Pia Schuchert, Louise Kregting, Daniel Pritchard, Graham Savidge, and Björn Elsäßer

Viewed

Total article views: 1,098 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
727 290 81 1,098 49 71
  • HTML: 727
  • PDF: 290
  • XML: 81
  • Total: 1,098
  • BibTeX: 49
  • EndNote: 71
Views and downloads (calculated since 14 Jun 2016)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 14 Jun 2016)

Discussed

Latest update: 27 Mar 2024
Download
Short summary
There are environmental concerns associated with the installation of tidal energy devices (TEDs) along coastal environments. One concern relates to the likely change in the hydrodynamics where changes in hydrodynamics may potentially modify key predictors of phytoplankton derived primary production. Using a coupled 2-dimensional biogeochemical and hydrodynamic model, results showed that light had a larger effect on phytoplankton dynamics than an array of TEDs.
Altmetrics