Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Aaron J. Bever, Marjorie A. M. Friedrichs, Pierre St-Laurent
Summary: Daily real-time nowcasts and 2-day forecasts of environmental conditions in the Chesapeake Bay have been continuously available for 4 years, utilizing a 3-D hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model with high resolution. The forecasts include various indicators and visualizations are provided through a website and an ocean map portal. Continuous improvements are made to real-time graphics based on stakeholder feedback.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Raleigh R. Hood, Gary W. Shenk, Rachel L. Dixon, Sean M. C. Smith, William P. Ball, Jesse O. Bash, Rich Batiuk, Kathy Boomer, Damian C. Brady, Carl Cerco, Peter Claggett, Kim de Mutsert, Zachary M. Easton, Andrew J. Elmore, Marjorie A. M. Friedrichs, Lora A. Harris, Thomas F. Ihde, Lara Lacher, Li Li, Lewis C. Linker, Andrew Miller, Julia Moriarty, Gregory B. Noe, George E. Onyullo, Kenneth Rose, Katie Skalak, Richard Tian, Tamie L. Veith, Lisa Wainger, Donald Weller, Yinglong Joseph Zhang
Summary: The Chesapeake Bay is the largest, most productive, and most biologically diverse estuary in the continental United States, but it is negatively impacted by excessive nutrient and sediment inputs from human activities. The Chesapeake Bay Program is a unique partnership created to guide and promote restoration efforts, with a focus on improving simulation of watershed inputs and estuarine water quality to enhance local nutrient and sediment management plans. Effective collaborations among stakeholders and transparent processes are emphasized for successful modeling system improvements and better communication of outcomes.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shufen Pan, Zihao Bian, Hanqin Tian, Yuanzhi Yao, Raymond G. Najjar, Marjorie A. M. Friedrichs, Eileen E. Hofmann, Rongting Xu, Bowen Zhang
Summary: This study examined nitrogen export from the Chesapeake Bay watershed since 1900 and found that the export of ammonium and nitrate increased until the 1990s and then declined. Precipitation was the primary driver of interannual variability in nitrogen export, while wastewater discharge explained most of the long-term changes in ammonium and organic nitrogen fluxes. Atmospheric deposition, wastewater, and synthetic fertilizer were responsible for the trend of nitrate export. Management of terrestrial non-point source nutrients will be crucial in achieving water quality goals.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Jie Chen, Hailin Liu, Bin Lv, Chao Liu, Xiaonan Zhang, Hui Li, Lin Cao, Junhe Wan
Summary: This paper introduces an extensible remote monitoring system for a seafloor observatory network in Laizhou Bay, which achieves long-term, continuous and online monitoring for a marine ranching environment. Through the control model, standardized communication protocol, and dynamic management method, the system can process a large number of devices' data and control them. An improved data quality control method is proposed to reduce data error rate. Experimental results show that the monitoring system performs well and the proposed algorithms can be applied to other similar systems with adaptive requirements.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Young-Don Choi, Binata Roy, Jared Nguyen, Raza Ahmad, Iman Maghami, Ayman Nassar, Zhiyu Li, Anthony M. Castronova, Tanu Malik, Shaowen Wang, Jonathan L. Goodall
Summary: Creating online data repositories that follow FAIR principles has been a focus in the research community, but capturing modeling software and environments for reproducible workflows is also important. This research compares ten approaches using a hydrologic model as a case study, discussing challenges, opportunities, and best practices for containerization in environmental modeling.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Timothy T. Wynne, Michelle C. Tomlinson, Travis O. Briggs, Sachidananda Mishra, Andrew Meredith, Ronald L. Vogel, Richard P. Stumpf
Summary: This manuscript describes methods for evaluating the efficacy of five satellite-based Chlorophyll-a algorithms in Chesapeake Bay. The results show that a two-band algorithm based on the red-edge portion of the electromagnetic spectrum exhibited the lowest overall error when applied to OLCI imagery.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam Schlenger, Elizabeth W. North, Yun Li, Ming Li, W. Michael Kemp
Summary: This study applied the habitat volume model to quantify interannual changes in potential habitat volume for estuarine fish and shellfish, identifying which parameters had the most influence on habitat and which species were most sensitive to environmental variability. Results showed that physiological tolerances and environmental constraints had significant effects on habitat volumes, with salinity and dissolved oxygen being primary constraints for required habitats and salinity and temperature for optimal habitats. Predictive relationships between physiological tolerances and habitat volumes were identified, providing insight into estimating habitat limitation in estuarine systems. This modeling approach has the potential to quantify essential fish habitat and project the impact of climate change and nutrient loading on living resources.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Kishore Dutta
Summary: Behind the creativities and innovations in human history lies the humble practices of multidisciplinary studies, exemplified by Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa which combines art and science to create a perfect and uncertain beauty, serving as a prototype for interdisciplinary scientific research.
SCIENCE & EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Jessica S. Turner, Carl T. Friedrichs, Marjorie A. M. Friedrichs
Summary: While ecosystem health is improving in many estuaries worldwide following nutrient reductions, inconsistent trends in water clarity often remain. The study in Chesapeake Bay found that some measurements of downstream estuarine water clarity appear to be uncorrelated with watershed management actions, indicating the need for multiple metrics to address the issue. Satellite remote sensing provides an additional tool to assess long-term change in water clarity.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kamil Okay, Sermet Eray, Aynur Eray
Summary: A prototype battery management system has been designed and implemented for a grid-connected residential PV system with lithium-ion batteries, aiming to increase system efficiency and battery life. By measuring, monitoring, and controlling battery parameters, the designed BMS also manages energy flow between the PV system, battery, grid, and load, ensuring safe operation conditions for the batteries. The prototype system provides a flexible approach with various load profiles, making it a useful tool for investigating optimal conditions for grid-connected PV-battery systems.
Article
Ecology
Nathaniel P. Hitt, Karmann G. Kessler, Hannah E. Macmillan, Karli M. Rogers, Richard L. Raesly
Summary: Our study compared body morphology of two freshwater sculpin taxa in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and found distinct taxonomic differences and environmental effects. The Potomac sculpin exhibited stronger relationships to environmental covariates, indicating potential thermal effects on preoperculomanibular canal development. However, contrary to expectation, the Potomac sculpin did not show greater among-population variation in body shape compared to the checkered sculpin.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF FISHES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jemma Stachelek, Sofia Avendano, Jon Schwenk
Summary: Remotely sensed water properties play a crucial role in various applications, but the validation methods used traditionally have limitations in terms of temporal availability and spatial resolution. To address this issue, a data-driven model was developed to provide high-resolution estimates of temperature, salinity, and turbidity, with the ability to predict future water properties.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED REMOTE SENSING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kelly L. Smalling, Olivia H. Devereux, Stephanie E. Gordon, Patrick J. Phillips, Vicki S. Blazer, Michelle L. Hladik, Dana W. Kolpin, Michael T. Meyer, Adam J. Sperry, Tyler Wagner
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of land management actions on contaminant mixtures and water quality in agricultural watersheds, finding that BMPs have potential benefits in reducing contaminant concentrations. Contaminant concentrations were often influenced by seasonal stream flow, but were also affected by other landscape variables and BMP intensity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Julia M. Moriarty, Marjorie A. M. Friedrichs, Courtney K. Harris
Summary: Sediment resuspension and transport affect water quality in estuaries by altering light attenuation, primary productivity, and organic matter remineralization, influencing oxygen and nitrogen dynamics. Modeling results show that resuspension increases light attenuation, shifts primary production downstream, and leads to decreased oxygen and increased ammonium in the bottom water column. The study quantifies the impact of sediment processes on biogeochemistry and provides insights into how coastal systems may respond to management efforts and environmental changes.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Daniel E. Kaufman, Gary W. Shenk, Gopal Bhatt, Kevin W. Asplen, Olivia H. Devereux, Jessica R. Rigelman, J. Hugh Ellis, Benjamin F. Hobbs, Darrell J. Bosch, George L. Van Houtven, Arthur E. McGarity, Lewis C. Linker, William P. Ball
Summary: Efforts to manage nutrient pollution in Chesapeake Bay rely on the Chesapeake Assessment Scenario Tool (CAST), which provides an optimization framework for exploring least-cost strategies of pollutant load control. The framework allows decision-makers to plan and track implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and has been demonstrated to improve modelled cost when compared to jurisdiction plans. Stakeholder feedback highlights its utility for investigating cost-effective tradeoffs and as a foundation for future restoration strategy analysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert J. Orth, William C. Dennison, Cassie Gurbisz, Michael Hannam, Jeni Keisman, J. Brooke Landry, Jonathan S. Lefcheck, Kenneth A. Moore, Rebecca R. Murphy, Christopher J. Patrick, Jeremy Testa, Donald E. Weller, David J. Wilcox, Richard A. Batiuk
Summary: This paper reviews the utility of a long-term annual aerial monitoring program for submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Chesapeake Bay and nearby coastal bays. It presents applications that highlight the program's importance in assessing anthropogenic impacts, gauging water quality, establishing restoration goals, and understanding the impact of commercial fishing practices on benthic habitats. New technologies enable more frequent and accurate aerial surveys at lower cost, supporting efforts to expand these applications to other areas.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qian Zhang, Thomas R. Fisher, Emily M. Trentacoste, Claire Buchanan, Anne B. Gustafson, Renee Karrh, Rebecca R. Murphy, Jennifer Keisman, Cuiyin Wu, Richard Tian, Jeremy M. Testa, Peter J. Tango
Summary: Understanding the temporal and spatial roles of nutrient limitation is crucial for successful management strategies in Chesapeake Bay. Analysis of historical data shows expanded areas of nitrogen limitation and reduced nutrient saturation in response to long-term reductions in nitrogen load. However, nutrient limitation patterns remain largely unchanged in the majority of the mainstem, indicating the need for further reduction in nutrient loads to achieve a less nutrient-saturated ecosystem.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jeremy M. Testa, Nicole Basenback, Chunqi Shen, Kelly Cole, Amanda Moore, Casey Hodgkins, Damian C. Brady
Summary: The study found that metabolic rates were higher in the shallow tributary creeks of the estuary, and that water temperature and phytoplankton biomass affected rates of gross primary production, respiration, and net ecosystem metabolism. Warming led to decreased dissolved oxygen concentrations, while reductions in nutrient loading did not have a substantial impact on hypoxic volumes in the estuary. However, warming increased hypoxic volumes by 20%-30%.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Donald Scavia, Isabella Bertani, Jeremy M. Testa, Aaron J. Bever, Joel D. Blomquist, Marjorie A. M. Friedrichs, Lewis C. Linker, Bruce D. Michael, Rebecca R. Murphy, Gary W. Shenk
Summary: This study highlights the importance of ecological forecasting as a tool for ecosystem management, emphasizing the integration of multiple data sources, quantification of uncertainties, and adoption of flexible frameworks to improve predictive accuracy and management relevance. Through a case study in the Chesapeake Bay, it is found that the selection of forecast metrics and drivers significantly impacts the results, and the importance of measurement error in predictions is also emphasized.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Limnology
Jianzhong Su, Wei-Jun Cai, Jeremy M. Testa, Jean R. Brodeur, Baoshan Chen, K. Michael Scaboo, Ming Li, Chunqi Shen, Margaret Dolan, Yuan-Yuan Xu, Yafeng Zhang, Najid Hussain
Summary: The study in Chesapeake Bay revealed that despite strong aerobic respiration from May to August, carbonate dissolution was minimal in May and June and substantial in August, buffering pH declines and causing a mismatch between seasonal DO and pH minima. The rate of calcium carbonate dissolution was found to be controlled by the supply of CaCO3 particles rather than the saturation state in bottom water, indicating a novel mechanism for the decoupling of DO and pH in estuarine waters associated with CaCO3.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
James J. Pierson, Jeremy M. Testa, Michael R. Roman
Summary: The study utilizes water quality monitoring data to analyze the seasonal and inter-annual variability in habitat for the copepod Acartia tonsa in Chesapeake Bay. Results show that the P-crit metric predicts the largest volume of unsuitable deoxygenated habitat over space and time, with dry conditions leading to a decreased extent of deoxygenated habitat. Although no clear relationship between copepod abundance and habitat availability was observed, the peak abundance of A. tonsa correlates with the extent of deoxygenated habitat using the P-crit metric.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Jeremy M. Testa, Walter R. Boynton, Casey L. S. Hodgkins, Amanda L. Moore, Eva M. Bailey, Johanna Rambo
Summary: In this study, we examined the changes in water-column conditions, sediment-water fluxes, ecosystem metabolism, and nutrient export in the Back River estuary over the past three decades. Reductions in nutrient loads from a large wastewater treatment plant led to declines in total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, as well as chlorophyll a concentrations. Sediment-water fluxes and associated sediment concentrations also decreased. Model simulations suggest a rapid response to reduced organic matter deposition. The study also found a substantial decline in the recycling of ammonium, indicating a relatively quick recovery in well-mixed estuaries in response to nutrient remediation.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catherine M. Liberti, Matthew W. Gray, Lawrence M. Mayer, Jeremy M. Testa, Wei Liu, Damian C. Brady
Summary: This study examines the impact of aquacultured eastern oysters on carbonate saturation states in estuarine waters. The results show that oysters can significantly lower carbonate saturation states, and this impact may increase with climate change and industry expansion.
ELEMENTA-SCIENCE OF THE ANTHROPOCENE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nikolay P. Nezlin, Jeremy M. Testa, Guangming Zheng, Paul M. DiGiacomo
Summary: This study investigates the factors regulating phytoplankton growth in estuaries using remote sensing data and modeling. The results show that freshwater discharge from rivers plays a dominant role in controlling phytoplankton growth, while persistent southerly winds have limited effects.
INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert J. Orth, William C. Dennison, David J. Wilcox, Richard A. Batiuk, J. Brooke Landry, Cassie Gurbisz, Jennifer Keisman, Michael Hannam, Jonathan S. Lefcheck, Rebecca R. Murphy, Kenneth A. Moore, Christopher J. Patrick, Jeremy M. Testa, Donald E. Weller, Melissa F. Merritt, Paige Hobaugh
Summary: Synthesizing large and complex data sets to inform resource managers for effective environmental stewardship is a universal challenge. A two-year synthesis effort was conducted in Chesapeake Bay, a well-studied estuary in North America, which involved scientists and resource managers at multiple governance levels. The results were widely communicated to scientists, resource managers, and the public through various channels.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicole Basenback, Jeremy M. Testa, Chunqi Shen
Summary: This study used a coupled hydrologic-biogeochemical model to investigate the impacts of nutrient loading and climate change on seasonal cycles of hypoxia and related biogeochemical processes in Chesapeake Bay. The results showed that earlier nutrient load timing can reduce hypoxic volume, while an increase in water temperature can cause an increase in spring/early summer hypoxia but a decrease in late summer/fall hypoxia. Overall, warming effects on hypoxia are more significant than nutrient timing effects.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chunqi Shen, Jeremy M. Testa, Ming Li, Baoshan Chen, Wei-Jun Cai
Summary: Air-water CO2 fluxes in estuarine environments show high interannual variability, influenced by hydrological changes and estuarine carbonate chemistry. A coupled physical-biogeochemical model was used to simulate CO2 fluxes in the mainstem Chesapeake Bay, revealing significant effects of riverine nutrient and organic matter inputs on flux variations.
Article
Ecology
Jeremy M. Testa, Jadran Faganeli, Michele Giani, Mark J. Brush, Cinzia De Vittor, Walter R. Boynton, Stefano Covelli, Ryan J. Woodland, Nives Kovac, W. Michael Kemp
Summary: This study compares the pelagic-benthic interactions in the northern Adriatic Sea and Chesapeake Bay, finding higher phytoplankton net primary production and benthic respiration rates in the Chesapeake Bay. Additionally, a higher proportion of organic matter is deposited in sediments in the Chesapeake Bay compared to the northern Adriatic Sea. The study suggests the need for sustained monitoring and numerical simulations to better understand and predict changes in pelagic-benthic interactions under future climate scenarios.
COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS IN TRANSITION: A Comparative Analysis of the Northern Adriatic and Chesapeake Bay
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Brian Wheatman, Randal Burns
Summary: The SSTGraph framework utilizes the tinyset parallel dynamic set data structure to store and analyze dynamic graphs effectively, outperforming other streaming dynamic graph engines on various graph algorithms.
2021 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIG DATA (BIG DATA)
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ryan E. Langendorf, Vyacheslav Lyubchich, Jeremy M. Testa, Qian Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of environmental monitoring programs to better understand and manage complex ecosystems, using surface water dissolved oxygen criteria attainment in the Chesapeake Bay as a case study. The research revealed contrasting controls on dissolved oxygen across different regions, with factors such as summer freshwater and sediment inputs impacting attainment differently in landward and open waters, and algae biomass showing opposite effects in surface and deep waters.