Habitat Analysis

Light Analysis and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Light penetration analysis and rooted plant / epiphyte (RPEM) modeling for submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) habitat.

Modeling Light & Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) provides shelter, food, and clean water for fish, birds, and other wildlife — but its survival depends on getting enough light. Turbidity from runoff, dredging, or algal growth can push SAV communities past the point of recovery.

Submerged aquatic vegetation in the Little Bow River, Alberta, Canada. Submerged aquatic vegetation in the Little Bow River, Alberta, Canada.
Submerged aquatic vegetation, Little Bow River, Alberta
EEMS Capabilities

EEMS offers dedicated tools for light penetration analysis, including bottom irradiance calculations and spatial habitat statistics. EFDC+‘s rooted plant and epiphyte sub-model (RPEM) simulates SAV growth and decline along with the nutrient and sediment interactions that drive it — giving a complete picture of what affects SAV health and how it responds to management.

Related Research

Implementation of Macrophyte Effects on Hydrodynamics in EFDC+

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Macrophytes (rooted aquatic plants) are the vegetative component of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) modeling.

Dam with mountains