SEMI-INFINITE SOLID MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF TEMPERATURE IN DEEP RESERVOIRS AND LAKES1

ABSTRACT: A lake or reservoir, heated mainly through the air-water interface, is visualized as a solid which is bounded by the interface plane (x = 0) and extends to infinity in the positive x-direction. Analytical expressions give the surface temperature, the temperature profile (with depth) and the position of the thermocline as a function of time (Julian Day). Preliminary model results indicate that the general shape of the temperature profile and the position of the thermocline are influenced primarily by the air-water heat exchange and the time lapse since an isothermal condition existed in the water body.