SGER: Novel Mathematical approaches for Determining Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics

University Of South Carolina At Columbia, Columbia SC

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract 0088879 Noble SGER: Novel mathematical approaches for determining ecosystem structure and dynamics This SGER proposes to investigate the organizational properties of ecosystems with novel mathematical approaches. The investigators will conduct complexity, dimensionality and entropy analyses using established mathematical techniques and apply them to a multi-variable, long-term ecological data set for an estuary. The state variables (ammonia, chlorophyll a, and salinity) will be evaluated for how they change with respect to each other and with time. The objective is to define the organizational properties of these ecosystems in such a way that changes in microbial community structure can be related in quantitative and predictable ways to changes in the trajectories and connectivity of the state variables. Ultimately, this work may lead to a better understanding of the processes responsible for harmful algal blooms and other emergent phenomena.