Scientific publications

Using variational calculus methods, asymptotic density profiles were produced, characterizing the equilibrium state of the lake water column attained after the cessation of external forcing. Potential energy and column-averaged density were used as the governing parameters. Two analytical-form profile families were obtained, representing two types of density distributions associated, respectively, with the two-layer structure of the water column and the appearance of a mixed layer. The threshold values of the governing parameters corresponding to changes in the type of distribution were also calculated. Verification of the results was carried out for three lakes by comparing the modeled profiles with high vertical resolution experimental data collected at the peak of summer stratification. The correlation coefficients exceeded 0.98 for all the three lakes. Using the calculated analytical profiles, a new algorithm for deriving the thermocline depth was developed and tested. Options and possibilities of using the results for quantitative description of turbulent mixing processes are discussed.