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Mathematical modelling of the heat exchange between a river and the atmosphere

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Abstract

Some numerical models of various degrees of complexity for studying river atmosphere heat exchange are discussed. Also described are issues related to obtaining the basic meteorological and the required hydrological data. As meteorological and hydrological parameters vary strongly within one year and from year to year, a large amount of information has to be collected and analysed for obtaining a representative picture.

The necessary effort depends clearly on the application. It is much larger, when the absolute temperature and the transient response have to be calculated, than when only the average temperature increase due to anthropogenic heat discharges is of interest.

Results for the exchange of radiative, latent and sensible heat between atmosphere and water surface including the overall exchange coefficient are given for 21 years, in detail for Basel and summarised for 8 locations along the Rhein. Yearly averages vary little, monthly averages show the expected seasonal variation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swiss Meteorological Institute Osservatorio Ticinese, CH-6605, Locarno Monti, Switzerland

    J. Joss

  2. Motor Columbus Consulting Engineers, CH-5401, Baden, Switzerland

    G. Resele

Authors
  1. J. Joss
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  2. G. Resele
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Joss, J., Resele, G. Mathematical modelling of the heat exchange between a river and the atmosphere. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 41, 27–40 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120429

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00120429

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