Strategies for Coupling data Collection and Analysis with Dynamic Modelling of lake Motions

Abstract

Abstract Mortimer, C. H., 1979. Strategies for coupling data collection and analysis with dynamic modelling of lake motions. The lecturer selects lake-seiche motion to illustrate interactive coupling between experiment and theory in physical limnology, which has taken the form of an evolving pas de deux between (i) in-lake data-gathering and (ii) conceptual or mathematical modelling. For example, F. A. Forel's classic seiche investigations on Leman led directly to E. M. Wedderburn's pioneering studies of internal seiches in Scottish lakes and, in turn, to theoretical and experimental advances elsewhere, including the Great Lakes of North America. Because of its anticipated importance for the physical and biological economy of Leman, the internal seiche in that lake is here examined in some detail, and a new adaptation of Defant's procedure for seiche calculation is appended. The influence of Earth's rotation is demonstrated; and the non-linear character of internal seiche waves in Leman is inferred from examples from other lakes. The role of sei che—induced currents—and other1 types of flow which introduce current shear into stratified lakes—is illustrated by recent theoretical and experimental advances made by S. A. Thorpe and co-workers. In the light of this review and of experience elsewhere, promising strategies are suggested for future research.