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🌊 Biophysical Modeling: How We Predict Coral Larvae Movement
🌊 Biophysical Modeling: How We Predict Coral Larvae Movement
To understand how coral reefs might recover from damage, scientists are studying how coral larvae (tiny baby corals) travel through the ocean. This helps us figure out if deeper reefs, called mesophotic reefs, can help repopulate shallower ones that are more vulnerable to heat and storms.
🧰 Four Main Tools We Use to Model Coral Larvae Movement
To understand how coral larvae travel through the ocean and whether deeper reefs can help restore damaged shallow ones we use a combination of powerful modeling tools. Each one plays a unique role in simulating ocean conditions and larval dispersal.
Delft3D FM – Hydrodynamic model for Bolinao and Batangas
SURF NEMO – Ocean model for Apo Reef
Ichthyop – Tracks larval dispersal using Delft3D data
CMS – Tracks larval dispersal using SURF NEMO data
🛠️ What Goes Into the Models?
Ocean Data: Currents, tides, wind, temperature, and salinity, all gathered from satellites and field surveys.
Reef Maps: Detailed underwater terrain from global and local sources.
Coral Biology: Information like when corals spawn and how long their larvae float before settling.
🧪 Field Surveys
Researchers used special equipment like underwater current profilers and sonar to measure water movement and depth in key reef areas (Bolinao, Batangas, and Apo Reef). These measurements helped fine-tune the models to reflect real conditions.
🐟 What’s Next?
Using a tool called Ichthyop, the team is now simulating how coral larvae move based on species-specific traits, like how long they stay afloat and when they spawn. This combined approach helps predict whether deep reefs can truly help restore damaged shallow reefs.
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