Ferencz_et_al_2021_bedheat_data_and_modeling

This study combines detailed field observations and flow and heat transport modeling to assess the impact of hydropeaking on riverbed temperatures in a large regulated river. The field site was 12 km downstream from a dam that induces large daily flow variations. Vertical thermistor arrays were used to collect riverbed temperature data across the entire channel. The riverbed near the left bank was highly dynamic thermally, transitioning between river and groundwater temperatures over daily hydropeaking cycles. In contrast, the rest of the riverbed, including near the right bank, was similar in temperature to the river and had relatively stable temperatures. Modeling showed that the temperatures near the banks are explained by advective heat transport driven by hydrostatic changes in river level, while the temperatures over the rest of the channel can be explained mostly by conductive heating. Gaining groundwater conditions and high sediment hydraulic conductivity favor thermally dynamic zones near banks, while low hydraulic conductivity (below 1 m/d) and neutral or losing groundwater conditions result in muted temperature fluctuations, as observed at the right bank.

Here we provide:
1) The river temperature and stage data during the field study.
2) The vertical profile riverbed temperature data from the 21 profilers with data from 10, 20, 30, and 50 cm depth in the riverbed.
3) The survey data of the profiler locations.
4) A COMSOL model file that has the features used for the modeling study. The user can change the dimensions of the river to meet their own interests and also change the subsurface flow and heat transport prosperities.