Temperature/Sediment Model for a Shallow Lake

The effects of turbid water inflow into a shallow reservoir (Lake Chicot, Ark.) are described, analyzed, and modeled. Relationships between turbidity, solar radiation reflection and solar radiation attenuation in the water are given for a reservoir with suspended sediment (clay) content up to 1,000 ppm. The stratification dynamics and the formation of underflows and overflows are illustrated using field data. A dynamic computer model (RESQUAL) for the prediction of stratification and water quality in a shallow reservoir is developed and described. Dynamic effects are simulated on a daily timescale and include mixing by wind and convection, inflow, and outflow. Predicted and measured distributions of temperature and suspended sediments are compared.