Modelling tracer dispersal and residence time in a reservoir

Hocking, G.C. and Patterson, J.C. (1994) Modelling tracer dispersal and residence time in a reservoir. Ecological Modelling, 74 (1-2). pp. 63-75.

Abstract

A quasi-two-dimensional, numerical, hydrodynamic model for the simulation of reservoir physics is described and used to evaluate the dispersal of tracers and the residence time of local parcels of water within a reservoir. In particular, tracers released in inflow sources are followed, and detention times (time for the inflowing water to reach the dam wall) are estimated. Several examples are given for Canning Reservoir in Western Australia revealing some interesting processes of dispersal.