Temporal-spatial features and key factors’ analysis of vertical eddy diffusivities in Taihu Lake, China

Abstract

Vertical eddy diffusivity (VED) is used to quantify the vertical mixing of water column, which has a profound influence on the evolution of aquatic ecosystems. Based on half-hourly water temperature measured at −20 cm and −150 cm depths from 2015 to 2017 at stations of Pingtaishan (PTS), Dapukou (DPK), Bifenggang (BFG), and Xiaoleishan (XLS) in Taihu Lake, the daily average VED is calculated according to the phase lag of water temperature series at two depths. The temporal and spatial features and possible evolution characters of vertical turbulences are then deliberated. The results show that the VED in Taihu Lake varies by several orders of magnitude. The weak VED exhibits stronger spatial heterogeneity and high frequency characteristics and vice versa for the strong VED. The VED in the center region of the lake is stronger, in comparison to bay areas. On seasonality, the VED is the strongest in winter, moderate in spring and autumn, and the weakest in summer. Analyses show that solar radiation and wind forcing are the key meteorological factors regulating VED changes, with the solar effect somewhat stronger than wind. It is also discussed potential roles of vertical mixing in cyanobacteria becoming dominant population in Taihu Lake.