Mathematical Modeling of Plankton Biomass Dynamics During the Spring Thermal Bar in Kamloops Lake

Abstract

The mathematical model developed for simulating hydrobiological processes in a lake takes into account the diurnal variability of the heat fluxes and wind stress on the water surface. Study of the interaction of the biological components is accomplished by using the nutrient–phytoplankton–zooplankton–detritus model of Parker. The results of numerical modeling of plankton biomass dynamics during the development of the spring riverine thermal bar in Kamloops Lake, British Columbia, Canada, are presented. The data obtained have shown that the variable heat flux has a great influence on phytoplankton concentrations in the upper layers of the lake. At the presence of wind stress, zooplankton populations increase by transport from the river mouth, but concentrations of phytoplankton reduce due to the supply of colder waters from the open lake.