SIMULATION OF CIRCULATION PATTERNS IN LAKES

Abstract

The prediction of lake water quality, consequent to the dumping of pollutants, material or thermal, requires a knowledege of the velocity fields existing in the lake, due to various causes. Mathematical models can be developed for predicting such currents. The general equations of motion governing such flows and a model to predict such a circulation, caused by prevailing winds over the lake surface, have been discussed . A finite difference scheme has then been formulated to apply the mathematical model discussed above, to the case of an idealised rectangular lake (approximately the case of Lake Michigan of the United States). A computer program has been developed to solve this model,numerically. Finally, the results derived from the above solution, have been interpreted, with an eye on the physical understanding of the influence of various parameters on such a lake circulation.