Idealized numerical model for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) growth dynamics

An idealized domain is setup to test the development of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) growth model within the Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) model. The change in SAV biomass is computed from temperature, nutrient loading and light predictions obtained from coupled hydrodynamics (temperature), bio-geochemistry (nutrients) and bio-optical (light) models. In exchange, the growth of SAV sequesters or contributes nutrients from the water column and sediment layers. The presence of SAV modulates current and wave attenuation and consequently affects modelled sediment transport. The idealized domain simulation shows that the newly developed framework can simulate a two-way coupled SAV-biogeochemistry-hydrodynamic and morphodynamic interactions that have long been of interest in estuarine environments. The model results are intended to be accessed from the THREDDS data server available through the related external resources. The model NetCDF files are stored on this trusted digital repository to ensure backup and longevity of these data.