One- and three-dimensional biogeochemical simulations of two differing reservoirs

A one-dimensional hydrodynamic model was coupled to an aquatic ecological model and applied to two differing reservoirs with one set of parameters. Simulations over 2 years of small (area=5 km2) and shallow (average depth=9 m) Prospect Reservoir (1988–1990), and large (volume=2 km3, area=82 km2, length=50 km) and deep (maximum depth=90 m) Lake Burragorang (1992–1994) were validated with field data. The dominant fate processes of the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles in the water column of these reservoirs were identified with model output. CAEDYM was then coupled to a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model (ELCOM) to simulate a flood underflow through Lake Burragorang. Advective transport was the dominant mechanism that caused biogeochemical variations during the flood, though settling was important for riverine-derived particulates. Validation of ecological models with both one- and three-dimensional hydrodynamics drivers and across multiple aquatic settings is advocated as an additional approach to limit ranges of biogeochemical parameters and assess ecological representations of lacustrine systems.