A two-dimensional numerical model of wind-induced flow and water quality in closed water bodies

In closed water bodies, such as reservoirs and lakes, where the exchange with external waters is usually small, the wind-induced flow significantly affects their water quality by mixing the surface waters and transfering heat down through the water column. However, the circulation caused by wind acting on the water surface can be influenced by the excessive growth of aquatic plants in summer, which may make their water quality to become worse. Therefore, understanding the response of the closed water bodies to winds acting on the water surface is of great significance in examining and maintaining their water quality in good condition. With that significance, this research has been done to build a two-dimensional, unsteady, laterally averaged model for simulating the circulation and water quality in closed water bodies. To verify the model, the Tabiishidani reservoir located in Sasaguri town, Fukuoka prefecture, Japan, was chosen as a case study. To illustrate the methodology of the research, water temperature of the reservoir was chosen to calibrate the model. After calibration, the model was applied to simulate water temperature in the Tabiishidani reservoir under different patterns of meteorology. The results of simulation clarified the change in water temperature distribution along the depth of the reservoir under the different patterns of meteorology. This research shows that the model can be a suitable tool for simulating the circulation and water temperature in closed water bodies. Moreover, the model can be extended to simulate the circulation and any variable of water quality in closed water bodies with the coverage of aquatic plants on the water surface.