Advances in Marine Ecosystem Modelling Research (AMEMR) 2024, Plymouth, England, 8 - 11 July 2024, pp.62
The unique physical and biogeochemical properties of the Black Sea make it difficult to adopt common models that are used to study different seas in the world. It is a major challenge to model in terms of biogeochemistry as it features many sophisticated processes, especially in its anoxic environment and at the oxic-anoxic interface. Considering this, an integrated modeling system has been developed that can also be used in similar basins and is contributing to the Digital Twin of the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea
To understand the impact of Black Sea specific meso-scale physical features on ecosystem dynamics, small to medium scale eddy-front systems should be understood in detail. For this purpose, the Turkish Regional Seas Ecosystem Model (TURSEM) biogeochemical model that tracks the cycles of C, N, P, Si, O, Fe, Mn, S and includes variable, quota-based stoichiometry of biological components is adapted for the Black Sea and coupled to Nucleus for a European Model of the Ocean (NEMO). The coupled modeling system is used to understand how mesoscale eddies and dynamic frontal features affect production in the Black Sea and further to conduct a resilience assessment that defines risks to the services the Black Sea ecosystem provides. First results indicate that the southeastern Black Sea is as an important area for cross-shelf transport, after the northwestern shelf. Mesoscale eddy-induced cross-shelf transport of low salinity, nutrient rich and productive waters are maximum in the presence of filaments associated with these eddies and fuel production in the open Black Sea.