Models

Models

The SYMBIOSES modelling system connects seven individual models into a computational framework that is located on the Norwegian supercomputer at the University of Tromsø Computer Centre.

Ecology models

SYMBIOSES links 3 separate ecological models to simulate the ecosystem. The models are designed to simulate the distribution and behavior of different life stages of important commercial fish species, zooplankton and their prey species and phytoplankton:

  • SINMOD ecology is a plankton model provided by SINTEF and simulates distribution and behavior of the lower trophic level ecosystem from nutrients up to meso-zooplankton.
  • LARMOD is a model provided by the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) that simulates fish eggs and larvae growth, drift, mortality and survival.
  • GADGET is a model developed by IMR to simulate juvenile to adult fish populations.

Exposure and effect models

A suite of ecotoxicology models, describing the fate and transport of chemicals in the marine environment and organisms, will be linked to the integrated ecological models:

  • FATES simulates the fate and transport of respectively oil and chemicals in the marine environment after a discharge event. It was developed by SINTEF.
  • OMEGA and DEB were created by the University of Nijmegen and Free University of Amsterdam. Both models simulate the toxic effects of petroleum components on fish and their prey. These models provide the basis for a new ecotoxicology module (ECOTOX) designed and developed by the project team to predict the toxic effects of oil spills.

Oceanography models

  • SINMOD oceanography is a physical model simulating the hydrodynamic features of the region, producing data on currents, water temperature, salinity, waves, sea ice, and turbulence. The model was created by SINTEF.

Contact information: Geir Morten Skeie gms@akvaplan.niva.no