scholarly journals C-GEM (v 1.0): a new, cost-efficient biogeochemical model for estuaries and its application to a funnel-shaped system

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 5645-5709 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Volta ◽  
S. Arndt ◽  
H. H. G. Savenije ◽  
G. G. Laruelle ◽  
P. Regnier

Abstract. The first part of this paper describes C-GEM (Carbon – Generic Estuary Model), a new, one-dimensional, generic reactive-transport model for the biogeochemical dynamics of carbon and associated bio-elements (N, P, Si) in estuaries. C-GEM is computationally efficient and reduces data-requirements by using an idealized representation of the estuarine geometry to quantitatively predict the dominant features of the estuarine hydrodynamics, salt transport and biogeochemistry. A protocol for the set-up of C-GEM for an estuarine system is also described. The second part of this paper presents, as a proof of concept, the application of C-GEM to the funnel-shaped Scheldt estuary (Belgium, the Netherlands), one of the best-surveyed system in the world. Steady-state and transient simulations are performed and the performance of C-GEM is evaluated through model-data and model-model comparison, using integrated measures of the estuarine biogeochemical functioning, such as system-wide estimates of the Net Ecosystem Metabolism (NEM). A sensitivity analysis is also carried out to identify model parameters that exert the most important control on biogeochemical processes and to assess the sensitivity of the NEM to uncertainties in parameter values. The paper ends by a short discussion of current model limitations with respect to local, regional and global scale applications.

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1271-1295 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Volta ◽  
S. Arndt ◽  
H. H. G. Savenije ◽  
G. G. Laruelle ◽  
P. Regnier

Abstract. Reactive transport models (RTMs) are powerful tools for disentangling the complex process interplay that drives estuarine biogeochemical dynamics, for assessing the quantitative role of estuaries in global biogeochemical cycles and for predicting their response to anthropogenic disturbances (land-use change, climate change and water management). Nevertheless, the application of RTMs for a regional or global estimation of estuarine biogeochemical transformations and fluxes is generally compromised by their high computational and data demands. Here, we describe C-GEM (Carbon-Generic Estuary Model), a new one-dimensional, computationally efficient RTM that reduces data requirements by using a generic, theoretical framework based on the direct relationship between estuarine geometry and hydrodynamics. Despite its efficiency, it provides an accurate description of estuarine hydrodynamics, salt transport and biogeochemistry on the appropriate spatio–temporal scales. We provide a detailed description of the model, as well as a protocol for its set-up. The new model is then applied to the funnel-shaped Scheldt estuary (BE/NL), one of the best-surveyed estuarine systems in the world. Its performance is evaluated through comprehensive model–data and model–model comparisons. Model results show that C-GEM captures the dominant features of the biogeochemical cycling in the Scheldt estuary. Longitudinal steady-state profiles of oxygen, ammonium, nitrate and silica are generally in good agreement with measured data. In addition, simulated, system-wide integrated reaction rates of the main pelagic biogeochemical processes are comparable with those obtained using a high-resolved, two-dimensional RTM. A comparison of fully transient simulations results with those of a two-dimensional model shows that the estuarine net ecosystem metabolism (NEM) only differs by about 10%, while system-wide estimates of individual biogeochemical processes never diverge by more than 40%. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to assess the sensitivity of biogeochemical processes to uncertainties in parameter values. Results reveal that the geometric parameters LC (estuarine convergence length) and H (water depth), as well as the rate constant of organic matter degradation (kox) exert an important influence on the biogeochemical functioning of the estuary. The sensitivity results also show that, currently, the most important hurdle towards regional- or global-scale applications arises from the lack of an objective framework for sediment and biogeochemical process parameterization. They, therefore, emphasize the need for a global compilation of biogeochemical parameter values that can help identify common trends and possible relationships between parameters and controlling factors, such as climate, catchment characteristics and anthropic pressure.


Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2161
Author(s):  
Ruicheng Zhang ◽  
Nianqing Zhou ◽  
Xuemin Xia ◽  
Guoxian Zhao ◽  
Simin Jiang

Multicomponent reactive transport modeling is a powerful tool for the comprehensive analysis of coupled hydraulic and biochemical processes. The performance of the simulation model depends on the accuracy of related model parameters whose values are usually difficult to determine from direct measurements. In this situation, estimates of these uncertain parameters can be obtained by solving inverse problems. In this study, an efficient data assimilation method, the iterative local updating ensemble smoother (ILUES), is employed for the joint estimation of hydraulic parameters, biochemical parameters and contaminant source characteristics in the sequential biodegradation process of tetrachloroethene (PCE). In the framework of the ILUES algorithm, parameter estimation is realized by updating local ensemble with the iterative ensemble smoother (IES). To better explore the parameter space, the original ILUES algorithm is modified by determining the local ensemble partly with a linear ranking selection scheme. Numerical case studies based on the sequential biodegradation of PCE are then used to evaluate the performance of the ILUES algorithm. The results show that the ILUES algorithm is able to achieve an accurate joint estimation of related model parameters in the reactive transport model.


2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 887-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Lang ◽  
M. G. Lawrence

Abstract. This study examines two key parameters of the hydrological cycle, water vapor (WV) and precipitation rates (PR), as modelled by the chemistry transport model MATCH (Model of Atmospheric Transport and Chemistry) driven by National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data (NRA). For model output evaluation we primarily employ WV total column data from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) on ERS-2, which is the only instrument capable measuring WV on a global scale and over all surface types with a substantial data record from 1995 to the present. We find that MATCH and NRA WV and PR distributions are closely related, but that significant regional differences in both parameters exist in magnitude and distribution patterns when compared to the observations. We also find that WV residual patterns between model and observations show remarkable similarities to residuals observed in the PR when comparing MATCH and NRA output to observations comprised by the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). We conclude that deficiencies in model parameters shared by MATCH and NRA, like in the surface evaporation rates and regional transport patterns, are likely to lead to the observed differences. Monthly average regional differences between MATCH modelled WV columns and the observations can be as large as 2 cm, based on the analysis of three years. Differences in the global mean WV values are, however, below 0.1 cm. Regional differences in the PR between MATCH and GPCP can be above 0.5 cm per day and MATCH computes on average a higher PR than what has been observed. The lower water vapor content of MATCH is related to shorter model WV residence times by up to 1 day as compared to the observations. We find that MATCH has problems in modelling the WV content in regions of strong upward convection like, for example, along the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone, where it appears to be generally too dry as compared to the observations. We discuss possible causes for this bias and demonstrate the value of the GOME WV record for model evaluation.


1992 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole H. Jacobsen ◽  
Feike J. Leij ◽  
Martinus Th. van Genuchten

Breakthrough curves of Cl and 3H2O were obtained during steady unsaturated flow in five lysimeters containing an undisturbed coarse sand (Orthic Haplohumod). The experimental data were analyzed in terms of the classical two-parameter convection-dispersion equation and a four-parameter two-region type physical nonequilibrium solute transport model. Model parameters were obtained by both curve fitting and time moment analysis. The four-parameter model provided a much better fit to the data for three soil columns, but performed only slightly better for the two remaining columns. The retardation factor for Cl was about 10 % less than for 3H2O, indicating some anion exclusion. For the four-parameter model the average immobile water fraction was 0.14 and the Peclet numbers of the mobile region varied between 50 and 200. Time moments analysis proved to be a useful tool for quantifying the break through curve (BTC) although the moments were found to be sensitive to experimental scattering in the measured data at larger times. Also, fitted parameters described the experimental data better than moment generated parameter values.


Author(s):  
Marcello Pericoli ◽  
Marco Taboga

Abstract We propose a general method for the Bayesian estimation of a very broad class of non-linear no-arbitrage term-structure models. The main innovation we introduce is a computationally efficient method, based on deep learning techniques, for approximating no-arbitrage model-implied bond yields to any desired degree of accuracy. Once the pricing function is approximated, the posterior distribution of model parameters and unobservable state variables can be estimated by standard Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. As an illustrative example, we apply the proposed techniques to the estimation of a shadow-rate model with a time-varying lower bound and unspanned macroeconomic factors.


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