Numerical modeling of hydrodynamic-ice dynamic coupling in a small lake

Session: Physical Processes in Lakes (3)

Andrew Grace, University of Waterloo, [email protected]
Andrea Scott, University of Waterloo, [email protected]
Marek Stastna, University of Waterloo, [email protected]
Kevin Lamb, University of Waterloo, [email protected]

Abstract

Modeling of ice growth on lakes often excludes hydrodynamics beneath the ice, as many models (especially for small lakes) are simply thermodynamic models. However, for larger lakes, the coupling of ice dynamics and hydrodynamics becomes important.  This is because the whole lake surface does not freeze homogeneously, and a complicated interplay between ice motion and water motion results. In this talk, we present a series of controlled numerical experiments of the full three dimensional dynamics of the flow field in a basin. Using a validated dynamic-thermodynamic ice model, the spatial and temporal sensitivity of ice growth on the surface of the basin is investigated under the influence of an applied wind stress. As well, an investigation and characterization of the full three dimensional dynamics of the flow field in the basin is discussed with a particular emphasis on effect that the ice growth has on the surface currents.