Analysis of the hydro-dynamical variability of Lake Zirahuén, México

Abstract:

Lake Zirahuén is one of the ecologically better preserved and small-sized lakes in Mexico. To our knowledge, this is the first study to validate a high-resolution 3D hydrodynamic model allowing high-frequency measurements at Mexican lakes.

In this study are presented the first observations of the physical variables on the lake, through a chain of thermistors located in the deepest part of the lake (~ 40 m), an anchored ADCP close to the same chain, and transects of an undulating CTD with additional sensors. And with satellite images corresponding to two campaigns, we were able to obtain a general view of the spatial distribution of chlorophyll-a.

A 3D hydrodynamic model was applied to investigate the thermally and wind-driven general circulation. The numerical modeling results of the water temperature evolution and currents at the surface layer are in reasonable agreement with the observational data. The behavior of Lake Zirahuén showed a surface current that reacts to wind stress daily and transports the temperature to the northern section of the lake. These results indicate that the model provides a useful data base for analyzing the processes and variability of the lake and can be used to study the dispersion and transport processes.