Low complexity model to study scale dependence of phytoplankton dynamics in the tropical Pacific

We demonstrate that a simple model based on reaction-diffusion-advection (RDA) equation forced by realistic surface velocities and nutrients is skilled in reproducing the distributions of phytoplankton chlorophyll tropical Pacific. use low-complexity RDA to investigate scale-relationships impact different drivers (turbulent diffusion, mean eddy advection, primary productivity) concentrations. find 1/4{\deg} (~25km) model, advection has substantial rate productivity, whilst turbulent diffusion term fairly negligible impact. Turbulent an variability, with being scale-propagated amplified larger scale currents. nutrient decline some changes mesoscale kinetic energy (climate change projections) The suggests unless eddies radically change, scales sub-linearly nutrients, it relatively stable respect Furthermore we explore how white multiplicative Gaussian noise introduced into its resolution propagates across spatial through non-linear dynamics under sets drivers. unifying message this work low complexity (e.g. RDA) models can be successfully used realistically specific aspects marine ecosystem using those one many questions would beyond computational affordability higher-complexity models.