If the user wished to use the Rooted Plant and Epiphyte Model (RPEM), the Use checkbox under Rooted Macrophytes frame should be checked as shown in Figure 1. The Modify button in the Rooted Macrophytes frame allows the user to set various constants associated with RPEM as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1. Rooted Macrophytes Options.
The General tab in the RPEM form allows the user to enable or disable a variety of combinations for RPEM, including enabling the simulation of rooted plants or epiphytes; enabling epiphytes growing on rooted plants; enabling RPEM – Water Column Nutrient Interaction; and enabling RPEM – Sediment Diagenesis Interaction. For details on the theory behind this sub-model, please refer to "A Generic Rooted Aquatic Plant and Epiphyte Algae Sub-Model for EFDC" (Hamrick, 2006).
Figure 2. RPEM: General.
The Initial Conditions tab is shown Figure 3. This tab allows the user to set various approaches for the RPEM such as: Constant IC's, Spatially varying IC's - WQRPEMSIC.INP, and Spatially varying IC's - WQRPEMRST.INP. These latter two options allow the user to input variable carbon biomasses rather than setting them as constant values. Clicking on any of the buttons for setting shoot, root, epiphyte, or detritus carbon ICs will display a form as shown in Figure 4. Using this form the user may import a poly file or a data file for the IC.
Figure 3. RPEM: Initial Conditions.
Figure 4. RPEM: Initial Conditions: Shoot Carbon
The Rates tab allows the user to set growth and respiration rates among other parameters for shoots, roots, and detritus as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. RPEM: Rates.
The Nutrient Limits tab allows the user to set parameters for growth and respiration rates limitation as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. RPEM: Nutrient Limits.
Root and shoot temperatures may be set in the R & S Temperature tab as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. RPEM: Root & Shoot Temperature.
Constants for epiphyte growth respiration, light limitation, temperature effects for growth and respiration may be set in the Epiphytes tab as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8. RPEM: Epiphytes.