Physical Limnology and Water Quality Modelling of North American Great Lakes
Abstract Incorporation of physical limnological processes within the water quality/contaminant modelling framework of large lake systems is fundamental for accurate simulation of transport, distribution and pathways of pollutants. Specific examples of water quality/contaminant model applications to the North American Great Lakes are presented with emphasis on models which incorporate physical processes to solve eutrophic and toxic contaminant problems. Examples of circulation and transport model application to lakes and coastal areas as well as thermocline models are briefly described. Water quality models which incorporate such physical limnological processes include eutrophication models, contaminant transport models (river plume, lake and coastal cases). Specific examples are provided primarily from applications in the lower Great Lakes.