High-order simulations in environmental fluid dynamics: from boundary layer turbulence to basin scale motions
Presented
by Dr.
Marek
Stastna
Associate Dean, Computing, Faculty of Mathematics
Director, Mathematics Faculty Computing Facility
Professor, Department of Applied Math, University of Waterloo
Abstract
The motion of naturally occurring fluids spans a range of scales from the size of the basin (10s of kilometers for our lakes like Lake Ontario) down to dissipation occurring on sub-millimeter length scales. In this talk I will review two complementary numerical modeling approaches. The first concerns the interaction of waves in the interior of the coastal ocean (so-called internal waves) with the ocean bottom. In extreme cases, this interaction can lead to the resuspension of sediment from the ocean bottom. I will argue that a much more robust result is that internal waves increase the rate of exchange of material across the bottom boundary layer, with possible implications for biogeochemical exchange. The second approach I will discuss concerns basin scale motions in lakes with complex shape, such as those found on the Canadian Shield. After reviewing the form large scale motions in lakes take, I will give examples of how commonly used numerical models go wrong. I will discuss a technique developed in our group that has the potential to greatly improve the realism of lake scale simulations in complex basins. I will end the talk with some speculation on future directions.
Coffee provided. Bring your mug.