Mixing of Temperature‐Stratified Lakes and Reservoirs by Buoyant Jets

Abstract

The mixing of temperature‐stratified lakes and reservoirs by means of buoyant jets, which are created by withdrawing water from one layer and injecting it into another layer, is examined. The physical features of the thermal destratification are investigated by analysis and experiment. A one‐dimensional simulation model is devised to predict the process of mixing, which is reflected by changes in the temperaturedepth profiles. The simulation results are compared with existing field data. Experiments of the mixing of stratified water by buoyant jets are also carried out in a laboratory tank. The results are presented and compared with those predicted by the simulation model to verify the validity of the model. Finally, the generalized results of laboratory experiments and numerical simulation are summarized to provide some design information for the selection of mixing systems for lake and reservoir destratification.