ABSTRACT
Mathematical and physical modelling makes possible quantitative predictions regarding the destratification process brought about by the local injection of air at the bottom of a thermally stratified lake or reservoir. The mathematical model developed distinguishes between a near field and a far field. Mixing of epilimnion water and hypolimnion water takes place in the near field. The mixing water is accumulated in the far field as an inter layer between epilimnion and hypolimnion. The influence of wind on the destratification process is not considered. To account for the relatively large azimuthal velocities observed under prototype conditions the influence of the Coriolis force is examined ~n
detail. Interfacial and bottom friction is incorporated ~n the theory through an Ekman model. The theory compares well with laboratory experiments and reasonbly well with prototype destratification experiments, although further measurements ~n
nature are desirable. The Coriolis force is found to considerably decrease the rate of destratification, but this effect is partly suppressed by friction.