Assessment of Wind-Induced Sediment Resuspension Zones in the Patzcuaro Lake Using Empirical Equations

Aims: An analysis to determine sediment resuspension zones in the Patzcuaro lake (Mexico) through empirical equations is carried out.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Patzcuaro Lake in Michoacán, Mexico. The last stage of the project was finished during January 2019.

Methodology: The site wind force is considered as the main cause inducing the resuspension. Wind data recorded at two near stations (Chupícuaro and Pacanda) were processed and the main wind directions, in terms of intensity and duration, were obtained. Additionally, wind-induced wave values and the initial depth for the resuspension phenomenon were computed. Finally, bathymetry maps are plotted to indicate the zones where sediment resuspension occurs in the lake for the minimum water depth scenario concurrent with maximum winds and a sufficiently long duration to generate resuspension.

Results: Towards the north zone a larger particles motion is observed in the lakes riviera, form 5 m depth to the shore. In the middle part of the lake a larger incidence of the resuspension phenomenon is exhibited, since it is developed for all the considered depth levels. In the south part the resuspension is almost absent; only a spot between the Tecuén and Janitzio Islands show resuspension.

Conclusion: The empirical equations are a useful alternative to evaluate the quality of shallow lakes in terms of sediment resuspension.