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Measurements of Waves in a Wind-wave Tank Under Steady and Time-varying Wind Forcing
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Implementation of a 3D ocean model to understand upland lake wind-driven circulation
L A Morales-Marín1,2, J R French1, H Burningham1
11UCL Department of Geography, Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK WC1E 6BT UK.
Environmental Fluid Mechanics (Dordrecht, Netherlands : 2001)
|February 4, 2020
Summary
This study uses 3D numerical modeling to reveal complex wind-driven circulation patterns in small upland lakes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for physical limnology and related environmental studies.
Area of Science:
- Physical Limnology
- Environmental Fluid Dynamics
- Computational Oceanography
Background:
- Wind-driven circulation is key to understanding lake dynamics.
- Small upland lakes often lack detailed physical limnology studies.
- Previous models may oversimplify wind stress in heterogeneous lake environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model and understand wind-driven circulation in small upland lakes.
- To calibrate and validate a 3D numerical ocean model for a case study lake.
- To investigate the impact of heterogeneous wind forcing on lake circulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a community numerical ocean model adapted for a 3D lake environment.
- Calibrated the model using measured velocity profiles and bottom roughness.
- Validated model performance against independent velocity data.
- Employed Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs) to analyze circulation patterns.
Main Results:
- The model accurately resolved key flow features and was validated.
- A persistent two-gyre circulation pattern was identified in the upper water column.
- Strong bottom currents and rapid vertical circulation responses to wind changes were observed.
- Heterogeneous wind stress significantly influenced circulation patterns compared to uniform stress.
Conclusions:
- 3D numerical modeling provides valuable insights into physical limnology of small lakes.
- Wind and bathymetry interactions drive complex circulation, impacting mixing and sediment dynamics.
- The study highlights the importance of considering heterogeneous wind fields for accurate lake circulation modeling.
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