Larval dispersion along an axially symmetric mid-ocean ridge

We investigated planktonic larval transport processes along an axially symmetric mid-ocean ridge with characteristics similar to that of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) segment at 9–10°N. The hydrodynamic basis for this study is a primitive equation model implemented in two dimensions (depth and across-...

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Published inDeep-sea research. Part I, Oceanographic research papers Vol. 57; no. 7; pp. 880 - 892
Main Authors McGillicuddy, D.J., Lavelle, J.W., Thurnherr, A.M., Kosnyrev, V.K., Mullineaux, L.S.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2010
Elsevier
Subjects
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Biological and medical sciences
East Pacific Rise
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Larval behavior
Larval transport
Modeling
Physical–biological interactions
Sea water ecosystems
Synecology
Mid-ocean ridges
East Pacific Rise
Larval transport
Physical–biological interactions
Modeling
Larval behavior
Interaction
Passive transport
Dispersion
Marine environment
Aquatic environment
Larva
Developmental stage
Behavior
Invertebrata
Physical-biological interactions
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Summary:We investigated planktonic larval transport processes along an axially symmetric mid-ocean ridge with characteristics similar to that of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) segment at 9–10°N. The hydrodynamic basis for this study is a primitive equation model implemented in two dimensions (depth and across-ridge), forced at the open boundaries to provide suitably realistic simulation of currents observed on the EPR ridge crest from May to November 1999. Three-dimensional trajectories of numerical larvae are computed assuming homogeneity in currents in the along-ridge direction. Larval dispersal fluctuates significantly in time. Transport distance decreases systematically with height above the bottom where numerical larvae are less subject to strong currents along the flanks of the ridge. The probability that the simulated larvae will be located near the ridge crest at settlement depends strongly on their behavioral characteristics (vertical position in the water column during the larval stage) and the length of their precompetency period.
ISSN:0967-0637
1879-0119
DOI:10.1016/j.dsr.2010.04.003