Resolution of spatial patterns in three reservoirs with rapid profiling instrumentation

Rapid profiling instrumentation is used to resolve spatial patterns of temp erature (T), specific conductance (SC), chlorophyll (Chl) and beam attenuat ion (c(660)), in three dimensional space for three water supply reservoirs (Pepacton, Rondout and Ashokan) located in New York State, U.S.A. Conspicuo us patterns depict the operation of important processes that include the de velopment of deep chlorophyll maxima, the entry of major tributary and tunn el inflows as interflows, and the development of benthic nepheloid layers. SC is demonstrated to be a valuable tracer of the interflow process in thes e reservoirs. Distinct longitudinal structures are documented for T in spri ng, SC, Chl and c(660), along the major axes of Pepacton, Rondout, and one of the two (separated) basins of Ashokan. Substantial differences are demon strated to prevail between the two basins of Ashokan; treatment as two basi ns in series is recommended for modeling purposes. Three-dimensional struct ures in SC and c(660), apparently imparted from interflows, are documented for one of the basins of this impoundment. The needs of mechanistic model f rameworks to accommodate the observed spatial patterns and processes are co nsidered.