PROBLEM CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOMS - EXPLANATION AND SIMULATION MODELING

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have become an issue of increasing co ncern to water-resource managers in recent years. Cyanobacterial bloom s form when a large population migrates to the lake surface. Vertical migration is controlled by the physiological response of the cyanobact eria to changes in hydro-environmental conditions. The mechanics of bl oom formation are considered in detail. Additionally cyanobacteria mov e across a water-body by entrainment within turbulent currents. These processes can be modelled to aid bloom management and theoretical inve stigation. An example of such a model (SCUM) is presented. The role of modelling in management is considered and an alternative schematic mo del to calculate the cyanobacterial light-budget is presented. Such a model could form the basis of a light-limited growth model.