Episodic wind events induce persistent shifts in the thermal stratification of a reservoir (Rappbode Reservoir, Germany). Issue 3 (3rd September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mi, Chenxi; Frassl, Marieke A.; Boehrer, Bertram; Rinke, Karsten
• Is Part Of: International review of hydrobiology. Volume 103:Issue 3/4(2018)
• Page Start: 71
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2018-09-03
• Subjects: one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model -- Rappbode Reservoir -- stratification dynamics -- strong wind events -- wind speed; Limnology -- Periodicals; Marine biology -- Periodicals; Aquatic biology -- Periodicals; Freshwater biology -- Periodicals; 578.76
• DOI: 10.1002/iroh.201701916
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1434-2944

Abstract

Abstract : Stratification dynamics in reservoirs have a great impact on ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical cycling, and can be strongly influenced by wind events. In this study, a well‐established one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model (GLM) was used to investigate the response of stratification dynamics in Rappbode Reservoir to different wind conditions, in particular to episodic strong wind events. In years with increased wind speed, stratification duration and intensity were reduced. Episodic wind forcing by strong wind events are important determinants of thermal structure and can induce persisting shifts in the thermal structure that remain over the season until the next overturn. The results showed that reductions in stratification intensity were particularly distinct when the strong wind occurred in early summer. Strong wind events outside of this sensitive time window did not exert an important impact on the thermal dynamics of the reservoir. Our research confirms the decisive impact of wind speed on stratification of lakes and reservoirs. It effectively illustrates the sensitive time window of thermal dynamics to episodic wind events.