Seasonal disturbance to mussel beds: Field test of a mechanistic model predicting wave dislodgment
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-12-2009
Abstract
We report the first field confirmation of a mechanistic model predicting fine-scale temporal dynamics of wave dislodgment, an important disturbance process structuring many temperate rocky intertidal communities. A biomechanical approach is used to predict the frequency and severity of mussel dislodgment from wave-swept shores in Rhode Island over a 3-yr period. Using inputs of wave height and mussel attachment, the model correctly predicts strong dislodgment events during hurricane season (August to October, ~10% monthly loss), a period when large waves coincide with relatively weak mussel attachment. Such a mechanistic approach, incorporating temporal variation in both environmental challenges and physiological tolerances, is necessary to predict patterns of environmental stress; such predictions cannot be made from environmental forecasts alone. In addition to wave dislodgment, we report substantial mussel mortality due to temperature stress (up to 50% monthly loss). These two physical agents, which caused equivalent mussel mortality in our 3-yr study, are likely to be influenced by future global climate shifts.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2009.54.3.0978
Publication Information
Carrington, Emily; Moeser, Gretchen M.; Dimond, James; Mello, Joseph J.; and Boller, Michael L. (2009). "Seasonal disturbance to mussel beds: Field test of a mechanistic model predicting wave dislodgment." Limnology and Oceanography 54.3, 978-986.
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