On the effect of friction on wind driven shallow lakes (Q5952360)

The authors investigate a steady motion of fluid in a lake modeled as a thin domain. The fluid motion is governed by Navier-Stokes equations, with a Robin-type traction condition at the surface and a friction condition at the bottom. The authors also take into account Coriolis force. An asymptotic model is derived as the depth-to-width aspect ratio for the domain goes to 0, which allows to prove the existence of solution for two-dimensional model, and to obtain a variational solution for quasi-stationary vertical-geostrophic equations. The authors describe that the three-dimensional limit velocity is given in terms of wind, bathymetry, depth, and a two-dimensional potential. Finally, a finite element simulation of Azov Sea is carried out, and the influence of various forms of traction condition is analyzed in detail.