Skill assessment of multiple hypoxia models in Chesapeake Bay and implications for management decisions

The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) has used their coupled watershed-water quality modeling system to develop a set of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for nutrients and sediment in an effort to reduce eutrophication impacts which include decreasing the seasonal occurrence of hypoxia within the Bay. The CBP is now considering the use of a multiple model approach to enhance the confidence in their model projections and to better define uncertainty. This study statistically compares the CBP regulatory model with multiple implementations of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) in terms of skill in reproducing monthly profiles of hydrodynamics, nutrients, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen at ~30 stations throughout the Bay. Preliminary results show that although all the models substantially underestimate stratification throughout the Bay, they all have significant skill in reproducing the mean and seasonal variability of bottom dissolved oxygen. This study demonstrates that multiple community models can be used together to provide independent confidence bounds for management decisions based on CBP model results

Extension’s use of Zoom to Address a Public Health Risk Among Older Adults

Mandates that require social distancing and sheltering-in-place to stop the spread of the coronavirus have worsened an already concerning public health issue for older adults –social isolation and loneliness. Alabama Extension System at Alabama A&M University developed a program focused on helping older adults connect with family and friends. A descriptive study of 37 older adults indicated that their knowledge, ability, and comfort with implementing Zoom sessions increased significantly after completing the program. Findings show the potential use of the Zoom for Seniors program in preventing social isolation or loneliness among older adults