Meteolakes

Meteolakes models three-dimensional lake hydrodynamics and assimilates real-time observational data to support interpretation and short-term forecasting of biogeochemical and physical processes in freshwater systems.

Key Features:

• Delft3D-based 3D hydrodynamic-biological modeling: Uses the Delft3D framework to perform three-dimensional hydrodynamic-biological simulations that capture mixing and transport processes.
• Daily simulations: Executes daily simulations to provide updated physical and biogeochemical states of the lake system.
• Real-time data integration: Integrates observations from field stations, satellite remote sensing, and local weather dynamics for near real-time model forcing.
• Data assimilation and short-term forecasting: Incorporates data assimilation techniques to generate synoptic lake information and short-term forecasts, enabling warnings for events such as upwellings and storms.
• Support for experimental design and interdisciplinary studies: Produces model outputs and assimilated observations to inform the design, planning, and analysis of field experiments and interdisciplinary research.

Scientific Applications:

• Hydrodynamics and biogeochemistry research: Provides three-dimensional model outputs and assimilated observational data for studying hydrodynamic processes and biogeochemical interactions in lakes.
• Operational forecasting and event warning: Enables short-term forecasts and issuance of warnings for environmental events such as upwellings and storms.
• Field campaign planning and analysis: Supplies synoptic lake information and forecasts to inform field experiment design and data interpretation.
• Water resources management and policy planning: Delivers synoptic and modeled information to support long-term water resources management and policy decisions.

Methodology:

Meteolakes integrates Delft3D three-dimensional hydrodynamic-biological simulations with continuous observational inputs from field stations, satellite remote sensing, and local weather data, runs daily simulations, and applies data assimilation for forecasting.