Turbulent Benthic Boundary Layer Mixing Events in Fresh Water lakes

Abstract

The nature of the turbulent benthic boundary later (TBBL) within thermally stratified lakes was investigated using data collected from two field studies. A profiling instrument was used to record the turbulent properties of the layers, while thermistor chains were used to monitor the internal wave field. The results obtained indicated that in these studies the TBBLs were generated by internal waves as they progressed over the sloping beds of the lakes. The mixing efficiency of the turbulent events associated with the TBBL was found to be dependent on the turbulent Froude number. The findings indicate that the TBBL's were very important vertical turbulent transport mechanism.