Exploring the Sensitivity of Water Temperature Models for High Dams and Large Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Nuozhadu Reservoir in China

Abstract

The parameters governing a water temperature model play a pivotal role in determining the uncertainties associated with the model’s outcome. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic and water temperature coupling model is constructed, focusing on the Nuozhadu Reservoir situated along the Lancang River. Employing a single-factor analysis approach, the sensitivity of the thermal balance parameters and hydrodynamic parameters in the model is assessed. This study overcomes the shortcomings of previous sensitivity analyses of hydrodynamic parameters in reservoir water temperature models. The findings reveal that the attenuation parameters of light and Beer’s law parameter exhibit minimal sensitivity to the vertical temperature structure. Conversely, radiation parameter A and radiation parameter B exert tenfold disparate influences on the surface and bottom temperatures of the reservoir. Among the hydrodynamic parameters considered, the horizontal viscosity factor shows no sensitivity to the vertical temperature structure, whereas the vertical viscosity factor serves as a crucial determinant, directly influencing the intensity of vertical temperature stratification. An increased vertical viscosity factor promotes heat exchange between the upper and lower water layers, thereby reducing the vertical temperature gradient and weakening stratification. Conversely, diminishing this factor intensifies stratification. Thus, when conducting water temperature simulations in high dams and large reservoirs, careful attention should be given to calibrating vertical viscosity factor.