Application of coupled SisBaHiA® hydrodynamic/biogeochemistry model for computing net ecosystem exchange across the Lower Amazon River-to-Ocean Continuum

• Grant number: 20/08666-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2020
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Chemical Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Jeffrey Edward Richey
• Grantee: Monica Frickmann Young Buckmann
• Host Institution: Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/18491-4 - Biogeochemical blindspots along the lower Amazon River continuum: from land to the atmosphere and ocean, AP.SPEC

Abstract

The focus of the post-doc is to be the primary person responsible for conducting the modeling objectives and participating in the cyber-infrastructure of the project. To provide the quantitative context to integrate results into the evaluation of Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE), the summary theme of the project, the post-doc will extend the current application of the hydrodynamic modeling system SisBaHiA (www.sisbahia.coppe.ufrj.br) in both space (from lower river into inner shelf) and process detail. She will hone the physical model attributes (e.g., bathymetry, discharge, roughness and associated flow velocities) and preliminary estimates of process rates along the lower river (e.g., respiration, production, and gas transfer). Once the basic processes are parameterized, (s)he we will apply knowledge gained from mechanistic experiments and initiate calibration/validation of the model to in situ data. The model domain will be extended to the inner shelf, where pCO2 remains high. When the model is capable of accurately estimating present day biogeochemical fluxes, the model will be run under scenarios of future change (e.g., variabilityin seasonal discharge patterns, increasing temperatures, river impoundments, etc.). Part of a broader effort beyond the scope of this present proposal is coupling a basin hydrology model (VIC, Variable Infiltration Capacity) to SisBaHiA, which will allow further evaluation of land use changes on basin hydrology and in situ biogeochemical dynamics. The model will be applicable not only for immediate project purposes but will be available to evaluate broader water resource issues of the Amazon. (AU)