User's Manual for the MIT Lake Circulation Models (MITLAKE)

Abstract

Introduction: During the course of research into water quality and hydrodynamic interactions in Lake Balaton in Hungary (Shanahan et al., 1981 and Shanahan and Harleman, 1982) two models of wind-driven lake circulation were employed. The models, which were developed from an earlier model by Nelson (1979), are two-dimensional and three-dimensional versions. The 3-D model employs the Galerkin method to solve for the vertical velocity distribution as a function of time and horizontal space. A linear bottom friction relation is used, thus making the model inappropriate to very shallow lakes. The 2-D model was developed in response to this limitation. The 2-D model determines the depth integrated velocity as a function of time and horizontal space. A non-linear bottom friction law is employed, broadening the model applicability to include very shallow lakes. These notes are a brief description of the computer programs developed to perform the 2-D and 3-D model simulations and to plot the model output. The notes are intended as an aid to potential users; however, no effort has been made to be exhaustive in explaining the implementation of the programs.