Modeling of the three-dimensional structure of hydrological fields in a karst cavity under the action of submarine discharge of underground waters

Abstract

We discuss the results of numerical simulation of the process of submarine discharge in a karst cavity. It is assumed that fresh water percolates through cracks in the lateral boundaries of the cavity, and its temperature is, generally speaking, not equal to the temperature of water in the grotto. The calculations are carried out within the framework of a three-dimensional model on the σ -coordinates in the hydrostatic approximation by using the procedure of “convective adjustment” guaranteeing the existence of stable density stratification with conservation of the amounts of heat and salt. The comparison with the data of observations shows that the model gives a qualitatively correct description of the structure of the fields of temperature, salinity, and current velocities formed as a result of submarine discharge in the cavity. The possibilities of subsequent improvement of the model are discussed.