Estimating time-dependent connectivity in marine systems
Hydrodynamic connectivity describes the sources and destinations of water parcels within a domain over a given time. When combined with biological models, it can be a powerful concept to explain the patterns of constituent dispersal within marine ecosystems. However, providing connectivity metrics for a given domain is a three-dimensional problem: two dimensions in space to define the sources and destinations and a time dimension to evaluate connectivity at varying temporal scales. If the time scale of interest is not predefined, then a general approach is required to describe connectivity over different time scales. For this purpose, we have introduced the concept of a “retention clock” that highlights the change in connectivity through time. Using the example of connectivity between protected areas within Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, we show that a retention clock matrix is an informative tool for multitemporal analysis of connectivity.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Title | Estimating time-dependent connectivity in marine systems |
| DOI | 10.1002/2015GL066888 |
| Authors | Zafer Defne, Neil K. Ganju, Alfredo Aretxabaleta |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Geophysical Research Letters |
| Index ID | 70176566 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center |
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Neil Kamal Ganju, PhD
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