Spatial variability of the surface energy balance of Lake Kasumigaura and implications for flux measurements

ABSTRACT

The spatial variability of the lake surface energy balance and its causes are not well-understood. Energy balance maps (90 m resolution) of Lake Kasumigaura (172 km²), Japan, obtained by interpolating station data and bulk equations, allowed an investigation of these issues. Due to lake-scale variations in meteorological variables and small-scale fluctuations of surface temperature, T_s, surface heat fluxes differed horizontally at two distinct scales, while radiative fluxes were more uniform. As the key variable to surface flux T_s was only homogeneous for directions with a longer fetch or under calm wind conditions. Using these findings, the suitability of two flux station locations, one at the centre of the lake and another within a cove, was considered. Although both locations satisfied the fetch requirements, T_s was not always found to be homogeneous in the cove, making this location less suitable for flux measurements, an issue that, to date, has been overlooked.