Author(s): Yongmuk Kang; Dongsu Kim; Suin Choi; Changhyun Lee; Youngdo Kim
Linked Author(s): Dongsu Kim
Keywords: Paldang Lake; ADCP; Secondary flow; EC; Field measurement
Abstract: This study investigates the hydrodynamic characteristics of the meander reach in Paldang Lake, a major drinking-water reservoir in Korea, under contrasting hydrologic conditions. Three-dimensional field measurements were conducted using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and a YSI EXO2 multi-parameter sonde to examine velocity structure, secondary circulation, and electrical conductivity (EC) distributions. During the flood season, increased inflow from the South Han River strengthened curvature-driven flow, enlarged the separation of maximum velocity lines, and generated a pronounced single-cell secondary circulation along the bend. In contrast, under normal-flow conditions, velocities decreased substantially and multiple weak circulation cells characteristic of lentic environments appeared locally. EC patterns further indicated that tributary inflow entering the meander could propagate along the surface layer toward the nearby intake zone depending on the prevailing hydrologic regime. These results show that seasonal discharge variations strongly alter flow structure, mixing behavior, and potential transport pathways in the artificial lake meander, providing useful implications for intake and reservoir management.
Year: 2026