The use of a spatially heterogeneous simulation model for studying biotransformation processes of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds and the dynamics of oxygen dissolved in water in the ecosystem of Neva Bay, the Gulf of Finland: 1. Model description

A spatially heterogeneous simulation model of the Neva Bay ecosystem (the Gulf of Finland) is considered; its major blocks and the numerical methods used are characterized. Formulations are given for the major concepts used in the development of the biohydrochemical block of the mathematical model for adequate description of the processes of joint transformation of forms of N and P—key biogenic elements for Neva Bay, and the variation regime of dissolved O2 in water environment. Model formalization of the key regulatory mechanisms that ensure the structural and functional stability of the ecosystem is presented. The development of the model of an open aquatic system was focused on the joint simulation of the dynamics of biological system components and its functioning environment basing on the synthesis of hydrobiological, hydrochemical, and hydrophysical knowledge on Neva Bay ecosystem.