Thermal regime of the Bratsk reservoir dam site

Abstract

1. As a result of the investigations carried out at the dam site of the Bratsk reservoir in connection with the thermal regime through three yearly cycles, data were obtained on the vertical distribution of the temperature and its seasonal changes in an artificially created water body with a maximum depth of 100 m. The maximum oscillations of the water temperature are observed at the upper layer, having a thickness of 40 m, and the minimum at the bottom layer. 2. From the data of full-scale observations were first determined the coefficients of vertical heat exchange and their variation during the year in an artificial deep water body. The most intense circulation of the water masses is observed in the spring and in the autumn passage of the temperature of the water in the upper layer through 4°C, corresponding to the maximum density of the water. 3. The coefficients of turbulent heat conductivity and temperature conductivity exceed by many times the value of the molecular heat conductivity and temperature conductivity. 4. The data from the full-scale investigations performed and the values obtained for the coefficients of turbulent exchange may be utilized in the analysis of the thermal and ice regimes of deep reservoirs and downstream sections of hydroelectric plants constructed in places with severe climate.