SURF4.CE HEAT BUDGET OF LAKE QARUN, EGYPT

SURF4.CE HEAT BUDGET OF LAKE QARUN, EGYPT
BY
MAIYZA, I.A.;* M.M. ABD EL-RAHMAN & R.G., ABD ELLAH.
*National Institute ofOceanography & Fisheries, Kayet-Bey. Alexandria,EGYPT
Key words: Limnology, Heat budget, Lake Qarun.
ABSTRACT
In the present time, there is an increasing awareness of the
significant relationship between climate, continental waters (seas,
lakes and rivers) and environment. The effects of climate, which
regularly affect Lake Qanln, are till now not understood
Climate change and the lake’s level rise cause an accumulationOof ‘
additionql problems to Lake Qarun. On the other handl changes in
climate affect the water chemistry ind biological ecosystem and(the
reverse is also true. The knowledge ofthe lake is basel on(observation
of the dimensions and characteristic ofthe lake water. The primary
purpose ofthis work is to determine the surface heat balance in Lalee Qarun.
Lake Qarun is one ofthe most important lakes in Egypt. The lake
located between latitudes 29° 24′ and 29° 33’N, and longitudes 30° 25′
and 30° 50’ E.
The total annual rate of absorbed solar radiation is 122.365
kealfcm:!, heat loss due to evaporation is 101.332 kealfcm~ and heat
exchange by conduction is heat gain of1.776 kealfcm:!. The annual
surface heat budget is a positive value of22.809 kealfcm:!. The heat
gain of the lake might be, compensated by heat loss through the
conduction with the lake’s body, by conduction heat to the landmasses
surrounded the lake, through the water seepage to orfrom the lake.
On the other hand, the inter-annual variation in the amount ofsolar
radiation reaching the Lake surface, might be the reason ofsuch
positive surface heat balance. .