Ecological modelling
Figure 1. Bathymetry map based on Lidar and cross-section
surveys of part of the lower Waikato River and its floodplain.
Ecological modelling of the Waikato River is designed to support and tie together several different initiatives of our research programme including (i) developing greater understanding of the structure and function of the Waikato River ecosystem, (ii) reconstructing historical conditions to provide a reference template for restoration, and (iii) testing outcomes of different restoration and management approaches for enhancing ecological function and biodiversity. The basis for our modelling is a deterministic approach involving coupling of a hydrodynamic model that delineates a selected river boundary and the transport and mixing of water within this boundary, together with an ecological component that links together relevant biological and chemical processes such as phytoplankton growth, nutrient uptake and zooplankton grazing.
Current project
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Konrad Górski and David Hamilton are developing a hydraulic and ecological model of the lower Waikato River, in collaboration with Hiroshi Yajima, The University of Western Australia
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Alex Guindon has developed a database that can be used to support the application of models to different parts of the river, including the hydro dams, lower river and connected floodplain.
