Environmental Fluid Mechanics: Some Fundamental Problems and their Practical Relevance

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The proposed research will focus on theoretical and applied problems in inland and coastal waters, both natural (lakes, rivers, estuaries, fjords) and man-made (water filled mine pits, mine tailings ponds, reservoirs). Almost all water bodies are density-stratified, due to variations in temperature and/or the concentration of dissolved and suspended substances. This stratification inhibits the vertical movement of heat, salt, oxygen, nutrients and pollutants, and is thus of considerable environmental and economic importance. The applicants' research is primarily directed to understanding processes that overcome density stratification and facilitate vertical mixing. The two main research areas are: A. Hydrodynamic stability, wave interactions and mixing; B. Mixing in meromictic mine pit lakes. While the first research area is primarily motivated by a fundamental desire to better understand the behaviour of stratified flows, it has many practical applications. Applications include intrusion of the Fraser River salt wedge, and the exchange flow between Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario. Conversely, while the second research area has been motivated by approaches from mining companies, consultants, First Nations and government agencies to address specific concerns, it raises many fundamental questions that have not yet been resolved. In each case, the short-term objectives of the proposed research are to gain a better understanding of these problems through a combination of analysis, laboratory and numerical experimentation, and field observations. The long-term objective is effective numerical modelling of challenging and important real world problems, to ensure the economic, sustainable and safe use of Canada's extensive water resources.