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Title: A Mechanistic Study of Inverse Temperature Layer of Water Bodies
Abstract The inverse temperature layer (ITL) beneath water‐atmosphere interface within which temperature increases with depth has been observed from measurement of water temperature profile at an inland lake. Strong solar radiation combined with moderate wind‐driven near‐surface turbulence leads to the formation of a pronounced diurnal cycle of the ITL predicted by a physical heat transfer model. The ITL only forms during daytime when solar radiation intensity exceeds a threshold while consistently occurs during nighttime. The largest depth of the ITL is comparable to thee‐fold penetration depth of solar radiation during daytime and at least one order of magnitude deeper during nighttime. The dynamics of the ITL depth variation simulated by a physical model forced by observed water surface solar radiation and temperature is confirmed by the observed water temperature profile in the lake.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2006281 2003076
PAR ID:
10629304
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
American Geophysical Union
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Geophysical Research Letters
Volume:
51
ISSN:
0094-8276
Page Range / eLocation ID:
e2024GL109062
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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