Tom Anderson's homepage


I am a marine ecologist working in the Ocean Modelling and Forecasting group in the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK. Models provide a useful means of piecing together the complex jigsaw of interactions in the marine food web, and understanding the consequences for the fate of elements such as C and N in the ocean (for example, where all the exhaust fumes from our cars and factories go). My main expertise is in the development of marine ecosystem models, and their application to the study of marine biogeochemical cycles.

Qualifications:
BSc. Ecological Science (Univ. Edinburgh 1986)
PhD. 'Computer modelling of agroforestry systems' (Univ. Edinburgh 1991)

Contact details:
email: tra@noc.soton.ac.uk
tel: +44 (0)2380 596337    fax: +44 (0)2380 596247

Interests:
§ biogeochemical cycles and the dynamics of marine ecosystems
§ zooplankton nutrition, stoichiometry
§ bacteria, cycling of dissolved organic matter
§ model complexity and complexity science
§ philosophical aspects of modelling and science in general

Publications       

And more ...!?



Interests
Biogeochemical cycles My interests centre on the role of marine biology in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen and other elements in the marine environment. In particular, I am interested in the role of the "biological pump" in exporting carbon from the surface to the deep ocean. This pump depends on a number of factors, including the size spectrum of sinking particles (which in turn depends on the size structure of the planktonic community), the cycling of dissolved organic matter (DOM), the C:N:P ratio of exported material, the contribution of biogenic calcium carbonate, and rates of remineralisation by micro-organisms. Of particular importance is the way in which organisms utilise nutrients and carbon in the upper ocean. Modellers often assume that nutrients and carbon cycle in the "Redfield" ratio, yet the processes involved and variability in real systems are not well understood.
Zooplankton nutrition, stoichiometry An understanding of the factors regulating zooplankton production is important because these organisms are important in exporting carbon from the surface ocean to deep waters (e.g. by faecal pellets, vertical migration), and are also a link to higher trophic levels such as fish. So how do C and N in food affect production? My schematic to the left is a little extreme (apologies to vegetarians!), but indicates that the balance between proteins (steak) and carbohydrates and lipids (cake) influence growth and the amount of N excreted. For example, if most respiration demands can be met with cake, then perhaps N excretion would be low with N in steak being spared for growth. I'm interested in the stoichiometric models which have been used to study the dynamics of zooplankton growth.
Bacteria, cycling of dissolved organic matter Dissolved organic matter (DOM) comprises a range of compounds of varying lability, which are produced by a variety of processes such as phytoplankton excretion and lysis, zooplankton "messy feeding", bacterial lysis and detrital breakdown.
Complexity science I am interested in how complex systems, with many interacting parts, work and how these can be best represented in models. Examples of complex systems include the weather,if the human brain, cities, and ecosystems. Much as I would like to model brains, I restrict my fun to ecosystem modelling. Picture opposite shows some lovely cellular automata models.
Model complexityDistinct from complexity science, I am interested in what is the most appropriate level of complexity to include in models for different applications.I always muse over Joel Hedgepeth's remark: "Today, the construction of elaborate diagrams and mystico-mathematical representations of assumed relationships powered by selected values is a favourite pastime of many ecologists and 'environmental engineers'. When taken with a grain of salt (preferably benzoate of soda), such models may stimulate further thought" (Hedgepeth, 1977). I am very much a believer in the power of ecosystem modelling as a tool for interpreting the dynamics of real systems, but it is important to be aware of issues relating to model complexity. I continue to research this area, following on from my now infamous article "Plankton functional type modelling: running before we can walk?" (Anderson, 2005). The methodology of modelling is much more subtle than one might think – there are lots of pitfalls (diagram opposite).


Top


Publications
Yool, A., Popova, E.D., Anderson, T.R. (2011). MEDUSA-1.0: a new intermediate complexity plankton ecosystem model for the global domain. Geosciences Model Development 4, 381-417.
Mayor, D.J., Cook, K., Thornton, B., Walsham, P., Witte, U.F.M., Zuur, A.F., Anderson, T.R. (2011). Absorption efficiencies and basal turnover of C, N and fatty acids in a marine Calanoid copepod. Functional Ecology 25, 509-518.
Popova, E.E., Yool, A., Coward, A.C., Aksenov, Y.K., Alderson, S.G., de Cuevas, B.A., Anderson, T.R. (2010). Control of primary production in the Arctic by nutrients and light: insights from a high resolution ocean general circulation model. Biogeosciences 7, 3569-3590.
Anderson, T.R., Gentleman, W.C., Sinha, B. (2010). Influence of grazing formulations on the emergent properties of a complex ecosystem model in a general circulation model. Progress in Oceanography 87, 201-213.
Anderson, T.R., Tang, K.W. ( 2010). Carbon cycling and POC turnover in the mesopelagic zo ne of the ocean: Insights from a simple model. Deep-Sea Research II 57, 1581-1592.
Burd, A.B., Hansell, D.A., Steinberg, D.K., Anderson, T.R., Aristegui, J., Baltar, F., Beaupre, S.R., Buesseler, K.O., DeHairs, F., Jackson, G.A., Kadko, D.C., Koppelmann, R., Lampitt, R.S., Nagata, T., Reinthaler, T., Robinson, C., Robison, B.H., Tamburini, C., Tanaka, T. (2010). Assessing the apparent imbalance between geochemical and biochemical indicators of meso- and bathypelagic biological activity: What the @$#! is wrong with present calculations of carbon budgets? Deep-Sea Research II 57, 1557-1571.
Robinson, C., Steinberg, D.K., Anderson, T.R., Aristegui, J., Carlson, C.A., Frost, J.R., Ghiglione, J.-F., Robison, B.H., Tamburini, C., Tanaka, T., Wishner, K.F., Zhang, J. (2010). Mesopelagic zone ecology and biogeochemistry - a synthesis. Deep-Sea Research II 57, 1504-1518.
Anderson, T.R. (2010). The beauty of science. Ocean Challenge 17(1), 4-5.
Myberg, K., Ryabchenko, V., Isaev, A., Venkevich, R., Andrejev, O., Bendtsen, J., Erichsen, A., Funkquist, L., Inkala, A., Neelov, I., Rasmus, K., Medina, M.R., Raudsepp, U., Soderkvist, J.P.J., Sokolov, A., Kuosa, H., Anderson, T.R., Lehmann, A., Skogen, M.D. (2010). Validation of three-dimensional hydrodynamic models of the Gulf of Finland. Boreal Environment Research 15, 453-479.
Anderson, T.R., Follows, M.J. (2010). Representing plankton functional types in ocean general circulation models: competition, tradeoffs, and self-organizing architecture. Proc. 15th IEEE International Conference on Engineering of Complex Computer Systems, Oxford, UK, 22-26 March 2010 (Calinescu, R., Paige, R., Kwiatkowska, M., eds). IEEE Computer Society, pp. 291-295.
Sinha, B., Buitenhuis, E.T., Le Quere, C., Anderson, T.R. (2010). Comparison of the emergent behavior of a complex ecosystem model in two ocean general circulation models. Progress in Oceanography 84, 204-224.
Blackford, J., Allen, J.I., Anderson, T.R., Rose, K.A. (2010). Challenges for a new generation of marine ecosystem models: Overview of the Advances in Marine Ecosystem Modelling Research (AMEMR) Symposium, 23-26 June 2008, Plymouth UK. Journal of Marine Systems 81, 1-3.
Anderson, T.R. (2010). Progress in marine ecosystem modelling and the "unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics". Journal of Marine Systems 81, 4-11.
Allen, J.I., Aiken, J., Anderson, T.R., Buitenhuis, E., Cornell, S., Geider, R.J., Haines, K., Hirata, T., Holt, J., Le Quere, C., Hardman-Mountford, N., Ross, O.N., Sinha, B., While, J. (2010). Marine ecosystem models for earth systems applications: The MarQUEST experience. Journal of Marine Systems 81, 19-33.
Ward, B.A., Friedrichs, M.A.M., Anderson, T.R., Oschlies, A. (2010). Parameter optimisation techniques and the problem of underdetermination in marine biogeochemical models. Journal of Marine Systems 81, 34-43.
Anderson, T.R., Mitra, A. (2010). Dysfunctionality in ecosystem models: an underrated pitfall? Progress in Oceanography 84, 66-68.
Mayor, D.J., Anderson, T.R., Pond, D.W., Irigoien, X. (2009). Egg production and associated losses of carbon, nitrogen and fatty acids from maternal biomass in Calnus finmarchicus before the spring bloom. Journal of Marine Systems 78, 505-510.
Mayor, D.J., Anderson, T.R., Pond, D.W., Irigoien, X. (2009). Limitation of egg production of Calanus finmarchicus in the field: A stoichiometric analysis. Journal of Marine Systems 78, 511-517.
Anderson, T.R., Ryabchenko, V.A. (2009). Carbon cycling in the mesopelagic zone of the central Arabian Sea: Results from a simple model. In: Wiggert, J. et al. (eds). Indian Ocean: Biogeochemical Processes and Ecological Variability. AGU Geophysical Monograph Series 185, 287-304.
Anderson, T. (2008). Modelling the marine biota: A tribute to Mike Fasham (1942-2008). O cean Challenge 16(1), 6-7.
Lampitt, R.S., Achterberg, E.P., Anderson, T.R., Hughes, J.A., Inglesias-Rodriguez, M.D., Kelly-Gerreyn, B.A., Lucas, M., Popova, E.E., Sanders, R.A., Shepherd, J.G., Smythe-Wright, D., Yool, A. (2008). Ocean fertilization: a potential means of geoengineering? Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A 366, 3919-3945.
Anderson, T.R., Hankin, R.K.S., Killworth, P.D. (2008). Beyond the Durfee square: Enhancing the h-index to score total publication output. Scientometrics 76, 577-588. [Full text (pdf)]..,. [Excel spreadsheet for calculations of h and h_t]
Hessen, D.O., Anderson, T.R. (2008). Excess carbon in aquatic organisms and ecosystems: Physiological, ecological, and evolutionary implications. Limnology and Oceanography 53, 1685-1696.
Anderson, T.R., Lucas, M.I. (2008). Upwelling ecosystems. In: Jorgensen, S.E., Fath, B. (eds.) Encyclopedia of Ecology. Elsevier, pp. 3651-3661.
Vallina, S.M., Simo, R., Anderson, T.R., Gabric, A., Cropp, R., Pacheco, J.M. (2008). A dynamic model of oceanic sulfur (DMOS) applied to the Sargasso Sea: Simulating the dimethylsulfide (DMS) summer-paradox. Journal of Geophysical Research 113, art. no. G01009.
Anderson, T.R., Ryabchenko, V.A., Fasham, M.J.R., Gorchakov, V.A. (2007). Denitrification in the Arabian Sea: A 3D ecosystem modeling study. Deep Sea Research Part I 54, 2082-2119.
Popova, E.E., Pollard, R.T., Lucas, M.I., Venables, H.J., Anderson, T.R. (2007). Real time forecasting of the ecosystem dynamics during the CROZEX experiment and the roles of light, iron, silicate and circulation. Deep-Sea Research Part II. 54, 1966-1988.
Bell, M.V., Dick, J.R., Anderson, T.R., Pond, D.W. (2007). Application of liposome and stable isotope tracer techniques to study polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in marine zooplankton. Journal of Plankton Research 29, 417-422.
Popova, E.E., Coward, A.C., Nurser, G.A., de Cuevas, B., Fasham, M.J.R., Anderson, T.R. (2006). Mechanisms controlling primary and new production in a global ecosystem model. Part I. Validation of the biological simulation. Ocean Science 2, 249-266.
Popova, E.E., Coward, A.C., Nurser, G.A., de Cuevas, B., Anderson, T.R. (2006). Mechanisms controlling primary and new production in a global ecosystem model. Part II. The role of the upper ocean short-term periodic and episodic mixing events. Ocean Science 2, 267-279.
Jensen, T.C., Anderson, T.R., Daufresne, M, Hessen, D.O. (2006). Does excess carbon affect respiration of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas? Freshwater Biology 51, 2320-2339.
Mayor, D., Anderson, T.R., Irigoien, X., Harris, R. (2006). Feeding and reproduction of Calanus finmarchicus during non-bloom conditions in the Irminger Sea. Journal of Plankton Research 28, 1167-1179.
Anderson, T.R., Rice, T. (2006). Deserts on the sea floor: Edward Forbes and his azoic hypothesis for a lifeless deep ocean. Endeavour 30, 131-137.
Anderson, T.R. (2006). Confronting complexity: reply to Le Quere and Flynn. Journal of Plankton Research 28, 877-878. [Full-text (pdf)]
Gunson, J.R., Spall, S.A., Anderson, T.R., Jones, A., Totterdell, I.J., Woodage, M.J. (2006). Climate sensitivity to ocean dimethylsulphide emissions. Geophysical Research Letters 33(7), doi: 10.1029/2005GL024982
Fasham, M.J.R., Flynn, K.J., Pondaven, P., Anderson, T.R., Boyd, P.W. (2006). Development of a robust ecosystem model to predict the role of iron on biogeochemical cycles: a comparison of results for iron-replete and iron-limited areas, and the SOIREE iron-enrichment experiment. Deep-Sea Research I 53, 333-366.
Anderson, T.R. (2005). Plankton functional type modelling: running before we can walk? Journal of Plankton Research 27, 1073-1081. [Full-text (pdf)]
Anderson, T.R., Hessen, D.O. (2005). Threshold elemental ratios for carbon versus phosphorus limitation in Daphnia. Freshwater Biology 50, 2063-2075.
Anderson, T.R., Hessen, D.O., Elser, J.J., Urabe, J. (2005). Metabolic stoichiometry and the fate of excess carbon and nutrients in consumers. American Naturalist 165, 1-15.
Mustard, A.T., Anderson, T.R. (2005). Use of spherical and spheroidal models to calculate zooplankton biovolume from particle equivalent spherical diameter as measured by an optical plankton counter. Limnology and Oceanography Methods 3, 183-189. [Full-text (pdf)]
Kuijper, L.D.J., Kooi, B.W., Anderson, T.R., Kooijman, S.A.L.M. (2004). Stoichiometry and food web dynamics. Theoretical Population Biology 66, 323-339.
Anderson, T.R. (2004). Observation, hypothesis-testing and discovery in oceanography. Oceaongraphy 17(4), 8-13. [Full-text (pdf)]
Belviso, S., Bopp, L., Moulin, C., Orr, J.C., Anderson, T.R., Aumont, O., Chu, S., Elliott, S., Maltrud, M.E., Simo, R. (2004). Comparison of global climatological maps of sea surface dimethylsulfide. Global Biogeochemical Cycles 18, 3013 doi:10.1029/2003GB002193.
Anderson, T.R., Totterdell, I.J. (2004). Modelling the response of the biological pump to climate change. In: Follows, M. & Oguz, T. (eds.) The Ocean Carbon Cycle and Climate. NATO Science Series: IV, Kluwer, 65-96.
Kuijper, L.D.J., Anderson, T.R., Kooijman, S.A.L.M. (2004). C and N gross growth efficiencies of copepod egg production studied using a Dynamic Energy Budget model. Journal of Plankton Research 26, 213-226. [Abstract] [Full-text (pdf)]
Anderson, T.R., Boersma, M., Raubenheimer, D. (2004). Stoichiometry: linking elements to biochemicals. Ecology 85, 1193-1202. [Abstract]
Hessen, D.O., Agren, G.I., Anderson, T.R., Elser, J.J., De Ruiter P (2004). Carbon sequestration in ecosystems: the role of stoichiometry. Ecology 85, 1179-1192. [Abstract]
Kelly-Gerreyn BA, Anderson TR, Holt JT, Gowen RJ, Proctor R (2004). Phytoplankton community structure at contrasting sites in the Irish Sea: A modelling investigation. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 59, 363-383. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R., Turley, C.M. (2003). Low bacterial growth efficiency in the oligotrophic eastern Mediterranean Sea: a modelling analysis. Journal of Plankton Research 25, 1011-1019 [Abstract] [Full-text (pdf)]
Anderson, T.R., Pondaven, P. (2003). Non-Redfield carbon and nitrogen cycling in the Sargasso Sea: pelagic imbalances and export flux. Deep-Sea Research I 50, 573-591. [Note regarding model equations] [Abstract]
Agren, G.I., Hessen, D.O., Anderson, T.R., Elser, J.J., De Ruiter, P. (2003). Element interactions: Theoretical considerations. In: Melillo, J.M., Field, C.B., Moldan, B. (eds.) Interactions of the Major Biogeochemical Cycles. SCOPE 61. Island Press, Washington D.C., pp. 135-150.
Christian, J.R., Anderson, T.R. (2002). Modeling DOM Biogeochemistry. In: Biogeochemistry of marine dissolved organic matter (DA Hansell, CA Carlson, eds.). Academic Press, 717-756.
Ducklow, H.W., Kirchman, D.L., Anderson, T.R. (2002). The magnitude of spring bacterial production in the North Atlantic Ocean. Limnology and Oceanography 47, 1684-1693. [Abstract]
Jones, R.H., Flynn, K.J., Anderson, T.R. (2002). The effect of food quality on growth efficiency in Acartia tonsa. Marine Ecology Progress Series 235, 147-156. [Abstract]
Popova, E.E. & Anderson, T.R. (2002). Impact of including dissolved organic matter in a global ocean box model on simulated distributions and fluxes of carbon and nitrogen. Geophysics Research Letters 29(12), 10.1029/2001GL014274. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R., Spall S.A., Yool A., Cipollini P., Challenor P.G., Fasham M.J.R. (2001). Global fields of sea surface dimethylsulfide predicted from chlorophyll, nutrients and light. Journal of Marine Systems 30, 1-20. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R. & Ducklow, H.W. (2001). Microbial loop carbon cycling in ocean environments studied using a simple steady state model. Aquatic Microbial Ecology 26, 37-49. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R. & Pond, D.W. (2000). Stoichiometric theory extended to micronutrients: Comparison of the roles of essential fatty acids, carbon, and nitrogen in the nutrition of marine copepods. Limnology and Oceanography 45, 1162-1167. [Abstract] [Full-text (pdf)]
Anderson, T.R. & Williams, P.J. le B. (1999). A one-dimensional model of dissolved organic carbon cycling in the water column incorporating combined biological-photochemical decomposition. Global Biogeochemical Cycles 13, 337-349. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R. & Williams, P.J. le B. (1998). Modelling the seasonal cycle of dissolved organic matter at Station E1 in the English Channel. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 46, 93-109. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R. & Hessen, D.O. (1995). Carbon or nitrogen limitation in marine copepods? Journal of Plankton Research 17, 317-331. [Abstract]
Rios, A.F., Anderson, T.R. & Perez, F.F. (1995). The carbonic system distribution and fluxes in the NE Atlantic during spring 1991. Progress in Oceanography 35, 295-314. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R. (1994). Relating C:N ratios in zooplankton food and faecal pellets using a biochemical model. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 184(2), 183-199. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R. (1993). A spectrally averaged model of light penetration and photosynthesis. Limnology and Oceanography 38(7),1403-1419. [Abstract]
Anderson, T.R. et al. (1993). Modelling zooplankton. In: Towards a Model of Ocean Biogeochemical Processes (eds. G.T. Evans and M.J.R. Fasham). NATO ASI Vol. I10, Springer-Verlag, 177-191.
Anderson, T.R. (1992). Modelling the influence of food C:N ratio, and respiration on growth and nitrogen excretion in marine zooplankton and bacteria. Journal of Plankton Research 14, 1645-1671. [Abstract]

Top

And more

Not much more really. Firstly a reminder not to confuse me with Tom Andersen (Norwegian Institute of Water Research). Tom and I have both written papers on zooplankton stoichiometry with Dag Hessen (Univ. Oslo), causing a certain amount of confusion in the literature.

On a personal note, I have one or two interests other than my obvious love of environmental science:

(1) Philosophy of science. Been ploughing through the philosophical literature for a while now. Everything from Plato to Popper. Makes one look in the mirror which is no bad thing. My general views on scientific thinking are: (i) keep an open mind, (ii) be creative, (iii) keep things simple.

(2) Playing chess. The game of kings. Check out the Southampton Chess Club website.

(3) Southampton Football Club I don't get to the games too often these days - not diffucult to understand why! I prefer to watch my son playing hockey - at the least I see a few decent crosses into the box!

(3) Music. I like lots of types of music, but have returned to my classical roots and enjoy listening to concertos for flute, oboe, bassoon and piano. Single favourite is Chopin piano Concerto number one, first movement.

(5) Physical fitness. Unfortunately,after hanging up my running shoes a few years ago, I have been hit by the aches and pains of middle age. However, I do my best to keep going and love swimming in the pool when I'm able.I also suffer from RSI. My advice to anyone developing these kind of symptoms is: take it seriously and get help at the earliest opportunity.

(6) Last, perhaps some of my best moments are spent getting up at the crack of dawn and walking my pet greyhound, "Taxi". He's a lovely affectionate dog (but thick as mince - the bow tie is for show only). There are always lots of greyhounds looking for adoption: check out www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk.



Last updated: 21 July 2011


Who's the professor here?

"Things should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler" (Albert Einstein)

Top