A Review on Modeling of Kinneret Salinity with Practical Recommendations

Two models have been developed for the evaluation and prediction of salinity changes (chloride concentration; ppm; [Cl]) in Lake Kinneret. They are: 1) RM, which is based on the Salt balance and hydrological budget of the lake; 2) GM which is based on the geo-hydrological regional properties of Kinneret’s geological structure. The concept of both is partly different: RM is correlating reduction of runoffs to salinity elevation and GM relates salt flux to the aquifer yield and the impact of lake water level is neglected. Long term statistical analyses justify support to GM, excluding conditions of heavy floods. This paper is a combination of a supplemental extended temporal study and a models review. Practical conclusions on Kinneret hydrological management within a frame of constrains aimed at prevention of salinity and eutrophication increase are presented.