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A dynamic model to simulate water level and salinity in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon

# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
In this study, a dynamic model for a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Albufera des Grau, Menorca, Western Mediterranean) is presented. A simple model with limited data requirements was constructed to simulate the daily variations in water level (WL) and water salinity (S) in the lagoon. Both parameters constitute the main descriptors of the lagoon hydrology and have substantial ecological significance. The model consisted of three coupled submodels: a submodel for the water balance in the watershed, a submodel for the water balance in the lagoon and a submodel for the salt mass balance in the lagoon. The results of the study revealed that the model simulated the temporal dynamics of both WL and S with reasonable accuracy (mean error of 7.6 cm and 2.8 g L−1 for WL and S, respectively). The model made it possible to determine the annual water and salt budgets, which were characterised by intense inter-annual variability. A simulation carried out for the last 30 years accurately predicted the long-term range of variation of salinity, and even severe hyperhaline periods were correctly simulated. The model is believed to be a useful tool in predicting the occurrence of ecologically degraded situations and could contribute to future biogeochemical studies.

# metadata.dc.rights[].value
(c) Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation, 2008

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Articles publicats en revistes (Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals)

# metadata.dc.title[].value
A dynamic model to simulate water level and salinity in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon