The Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling 2001 Problem
Copyright COMAP 2001
Please note that while links are indicated the data is provided on the pages following the
problem.
2001 Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling
ICM 2001 Problem
Zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, are small, fingernail-sized,
freshwater mollusks unintentionally introduced to North America via
ballast water from a transoceanic vessel. Since their introduction in the
mid 1980s, they have spread through all of the Great Lakes and to an
increasing number of inland waterways in the United States and Canada.
Zebra mussels colonize on various surfaces, such as docks, boat hulls,
commercial fishing nets, water intake pipes and valves, native mollusks
and other zebra mussels. Their only known predators, some diving ducks,
freshwater drum, carp, and sturgeon, are not numerous enough to have a
significant effect on them. Zebra mussels have significantly impacted the
Great Lakes ecosystem and economy. Many communities are trying to
control or eliminate these aquatic pests. SOURCE: Great Lakes Sea Grant
Network http://www.sgnis.org/.
Researchers are attempting to identify the environmental variables
related to the zebra mussel infestation in North American waterways.
The relevant factors that may limit or prevent the spread of the zebra
mussel are uncertain. You will have access to some reference data to
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Our Waterways - An Uncertain Future
