FUNDAMENTAL STUDY ON FLOW CHARACTERISTICS BY USING FIELD OBSERVATION IN LAKE KOMUKE

Abstract

 Lake Komuke is a typical brackish lake, which is located in the northeastern part of Hokkaido. A lot of birds, such as sipes and plovers, are well known to migrate in Lake Komuke. It is thus important to understand ecological system in Lake Komuke in order to conserve such a significant nature. Mass transport and water quality are the key factors which control ecosystem in an enclosed water body. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the characteristics of water quality and flow field. Conceptual water exchange model was applied and it is revealed that oceanic water intrudes into the lake and the change in surface water level is smaller than the tidal amplitude, which may enhance the primary production of phytoplankton in Lake Komuke.