A model of vertical distribution of pelagic eggs. A computer realization [HELP 17]

Abstract

The presented mathematical model and it's realization in an interactive computer program describes the vertical distribution of pelagic fish and plankton eggs. The water column has a density gradient and the vertical diffusion coefficient is a function of the wind blowing a t the surface. The density and turbulence coefficient profiles of the water column are defined to be invariant with time. The model is consequently able to describe only the short term fluctuations of the concentration of eggs. The eggs may be distributed i n several size- and buoyancy-groups. The t o t a l number of eggs in the water column is constant during one session. Despite the crude formulation of the model it is useful for a number of purposes of which the main are the evaluation of sampling designs for planktonic eggs and the establishment of the coincidence between contaminants and biological resources i n a vulnerable l i f e stage.