Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-475
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-475
17 Apr 2023
 | 17 Apr 2023

Ecosystem connections in the shelf sea environment using complex networks

Ieuan Higgs, Jozef Skákala, Ross Bannister, Alberto Carrassi, and Stefano Ciavatta

Abstract. We use complex network theory to better represent and understand the ecosystem connectivity in a shelf-sea environment. The baseline data used for the analysis are obtained from a state-of-the art coupled marine physics-biogeochemistry model simulating the North-West European Shelf (NWES). The complex network built on model outputs is used to identify the functional types of variables behind the biogeochemistry dynamics, suggesting how to simplify our understanding of the complex web of interactions within the shelf-sea ecosystem. We demonstrate that complex networks can be also used to understand spatial ecosystem connectivity, both identifying the (geographically varying) connectivity lengthscales and the clusters of spatial locations that are connected. These clusters indicate geographic regions where there is a substantial flow of information between the degrees of freedom within the ecosystem, while information exchange across the boundaries of these regions is limited. The results of this study help to understand how natural, or antrophogenic, perturbations propagate through the shelf-sea ecosystem, and can be used in multiple future applications such as stochastic noise modelling, data assimilation, or machine learning.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

08 Feb 2024
Investigating ecosystem connections in the shelf sea environment using complex networks
Ieuan Higgs, Jozef Skákala, Ross Bannister, Alberto Carrassi, and Stefano Ciavatta
Biogeosciences, 21, 731–746, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-731-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-731-2024, 2024
Short summary
Ieuan Higgs, Jozef Skákala, Ross Bannister, Alberto Carrassi, and Stefano Ciavatta

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-475', Anonymous Referee #1, 16 Jun 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Ieuan Higgs, 21 Jul 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-475', Damien Couespel, 26 Jun 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Ieuan Higgs, 21 Jul 2023

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-475', Anonymous Referee #1, 16 Jun 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Ieuan Higgs, 21 Jul 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-475', Damien Couespel, 26 Jun 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Ieuan Higgs, 21 Jul 2023

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (10 Aug 2023) by Marilaure Grégoire
AR by Ieuan Higgs on behalf of the Authors (21 Sep 2023)  Author's response 
EF by Vitaly Muravyev (04 Oct 2023)  Manuscript   Author's tracked changes 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (09 Oct 2023) by Marilaure Grégoire
RR by Damien Couespel (14 Oct 2023)
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (15 Nov 2023)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (17 Nov 2023) by Marilaure Grégoire
AR by Ieuan Higgs on behalf of the Authors (21 Nov 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (28 Nov 2023) by Marilaure Grégoire
AR by Ieuan Higgs on behalf of the Authors (05 Dec 2023)

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

08 Feb 2024
Investigating ecosystem connections in the shelf sea environment using complex networks
Ieuan Higgs, Jozef Skákala, Ross Bannister, Alberto Carrassi, and Stefano Ciavatta
Biogeosciences, 21, 731–746, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-731-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-731-2024, 2024
Short summary
Ieuan Higgs, Jozef Skákala, Ross Bannister, Alberto Carrassi, and Stefano Ciavatta
Ieuan Higgs, Jozef Skákala, Ross Bannister, Alberto Carrassi, and Stefano Ciavatta

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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
A complex network is a way of representing which parts of a system are connected to other parts. We have constructed a complex network based on a ecosystem-ocean model. From this, we can identify patterns in the structure and areas of similar behaviour. This can help to understand how natural, or human-made, changes will effect the shelf-sea ecosystem, and can be used in multiple future applications such as improving modelling, data assimilation, or machine learning.