A Data Assimilation Technique Applied to a Predator-Prey Model

A new approach for data assimilation, which is based on the adjoint method, but allows the computer code for the adjoint to be constructed directly from the model computer code, is described. This technique is straightforward and reduces the chance of introducing errors in the construction of the adjoint code. Implementation of the technique is illustrated by applying it to a simple predator-prey model in a model fitting mode. A series of identical twin numerical experiments are used to show that this data assimilation approach can successfully recover model parameters as well as initial conditions. However, the ease with which these values are recovered is dependent on the form of the model equations as well as on the type and amount of data that are available. Additional numerical experiments show that sufficient coefficient and parameter recoveries are possible even when the assimilated data contain significant random noise. Thus, for biological systems that can be described by ecosystem models, the adjoint method represents a powerful approach for estimating values for little-known biological parameters, such as initial conditions, growth rates, and mortality rates.