Identification of the Lagoon Ecosystems - Coastal Lagoons: Ecosystem Processes and Modeling for Sustainable Use and Development - page 20

2.3.4 G ENERAL H OMOMORPH M ODEL FOR L AGOONS

When the identification process of a given lagoon system is completed, the result
should be a structural and functional model that preserves the basic structural and
functional attributes of the lagoon and its spatio-temporal relations to other eco-
systems from the land-seascape complex to which it belongs ( Figures 2.5 and 2.6).
Thus, the structural and functional or biophysical model through which a given
lagoon system is identified comprises:

1. The major components in the structure of HGMU and the trophic-dynamic
modules in the structure of biocoenose
2. The most active relationships for mass, energy, and information transfer
within the lagoon itself and between it and surrounding ecosystems
(including lower troposphere)

The network and coupled processes are continuously fueled by solar, chem-
ical, or auxiliary energy (e.g., wind and tide energy; concentrated energy in

Precipitation

Wind erosions

A

River

F

E 2

Sedimentation

Surface run-off

Evapotranspiration

E 1

Infiltration Resuspension Gases exchange

Turbulence

Seepage

Evaporation

E 2 C

Coastal erosion

Exchange with the sea

FIGURE 2.6 HGMU's identification of the lagoon system and its spatial relations with
ecosystems from the land-seascape complex. A = agricultural system; E, E 1 , E 2 = Ecotones;
E 1 = hedgerow and E 2 = riparian vegetation as ecotones; C = lagoon; F = Forest.