A two-dimensional numerical model for the dynamics of surface ice transport
and ice jam in rivers was developed and applied to the upper Niagara River
. The model treats river lee dynamics as a two-layer system consisting of a
layer of surface ice coupled with the underlying water flow. A Lagrangian
discrete-parcel method was used to model the ice dynamics, and a finite-ele
ment method to model the hydrodynamics. These two components are coupled th
rough the interaction at the interface between the ice layer and the Rowing
water. The model was validated using recorded data and observations of ice
runs and ice jams. Subsequently, the model was used to evaluate possible m
easures for mitigating ice jams that adversely affect hydropower operations
on the upper Niagara River.