Simulation of water exchange and water quality

For the modelling of water exchange and water quality (including oxygen levels) in marine ecosystems, we frequently use the following tools:

 

FjordEnv (University of Göteborg) is a fjord environment model. It calculates water exchange, residence time, deposition of particles and oxygen demand for the decomposition of organic matter, both natural and from other sources such as aquaculture, agriculture and sewage. The model also deals with sill fjords and provides expected oxygen concentrations under sill depth in relation to water exchange and input of organic matter. 

Application: Calculation of carrying capacity / sustainable production levels for aquaculture in a fjord basin.

 

FjordInT (Akvaplan-niva) is used to calculate tidal fluxes through narrow sounds and fjord mouths.

Application: The model can be used to predict how the narrowing of a fjord opening affects tidal amplitudes and water exchange in the fjord basin. Modelling results provide an estimate of the minimum opening which is required in a dam or under a bridge, in order to maintain a natural tidal driven water exchange in the effected basin.

 

SMS-RMA4 (Environmental Modeling Systems, Inc.) is a two-dimensional transport model for water quality assessments. The model uses the current fields generated by the SMS-RMA2 tool and predicts transport and distribution of contaminants.  

Application: Simulate the dispersion contaminated discharges or the expected distribution of pathogens from fish farms.