Dynamics of Carbon Export and Lower Trophic Ecosystems: A Comparative Model Study in the Yellow Sea and Dokdo Waters

This study employs a sophisticated ecosystem modeling approach, specifically the European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model (ERSEM) coupled with the General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM), to conduct a comparative analysis of the pelagic ecosystem dynamics in the Yellow Sea and the waters surrounding Dokdo in the East Sea. Our research focuses on the complexities of carbon flux mechanisms within these ecosystems, emphasizing lower trophic levels and their roles in carbon export dynamics. Key findings reveal substantial differences in primary productivity, particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes, and the timing of biological events between these two distinct marine environments. The Yellow Sea is characterized by significant stratification and lower light penetration, resulting in a condensed period of primary productivity, while the Dokdo waters benefit from clearer conditions that facilitate earlier and more sustained phytoplankton blooms. These disparities are critical for understanding the foundation of higher trophic levels and the efficiency of carbon export mechanisms. Our study underscores the profound impact of benthic-pelagic coupling, particularly in the Yellow Sea, highlighting the need for an integrated approach in marine ecosystem research. Through this comparative analysis, we advocate for enhanced monitoring and predictive modeling of shelf sea ecosystems to better understand their responses to environmental changes and to accurately forecast future dynamics.