Complexity and emergent properties in aquatic ecosystems: predictability of ecosystem responses

Reynolds, Colin S.; Elliott, J. Alex. 2012 Complexity and emergent properties in aquatic ecosystems: predictability of ecosystem responses. Freshwater Biology, 57 (s1). 74-90. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.2010.02526.x

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Official URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-...

Abstract/Summary

1. The paper explores the predictability of ecological conditions in aquatic systems and of their responses to catchment management schemes, in which the hydrological and material loads can be accurately and precisely quantified. Linkages between catchment hydrology and impacts on water quality are considered. 2. New approaches to modelling the complex biological behaviour of recipient systems are briefly reviewed. The case is made for simulating emergent outcomes based on the adaptive strategies and dynamic behaviours of species attempting to meet their material demands within the supportive capacities furnished by local environments. This ‘bottom-up’ approach is justified by the fact that ecosystems are the sum of their smallest components; their behaviour is the aggregate of the activities of individuals. 3. A framework model template founded upon the emergent properties of high-performing organisms is developed within the context of exergy fluxes and their deployment and against axes representing the resource-carrying capacity versus the energy (photosynthetic and chemical) available to process it. 4. Some worked examples of simulated emergence in lakes are given, using the phytoplankton-community model, PROTECH, to demonstrate the acuity of predictions of the responses to quite subtle variations in biologically active solutes and suspensoids to simulated communities of the pelagic.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.2010.02526.x
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Water > WA Topic 3 - Science for Water Management > WA - 3.4 - Develop novel and improved methods to enable the sustainable management of freshwaters and wetlands
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	UKCEH Fellows Parr
ISSN:	0046-5070
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	This is an open access paper. Click on the Official URL to access free text.
Additional Keywords:	carrying capacity, catchments, ecosystem emergence, exergy flux, processing energy, water quality
NORA Subject Terms:	Biology and Microbiology Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	20 Dec 2011 14:05 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/12448

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2427.2010.02526.x

Programmes:

CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Water > WA Topic 3 - Science for Water Management > WA - 3.4 - Develop novel and improved methods to enable the sustainable management of freshwaters and wetlands

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

UKCEH Fellows
Parr

ISSN:

0046-5070

Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:

This is an open access paper. Click on the Official URL to access free text.