[1] Field measurements in a small stratified lake were conducted to investigate the existence of a turbulent benthic boundary layer on a uniform sloping boundary. High levels of energy dissipation at the sloping boundaries indicate energy is drained from the internal waves so that turbulent fluxes are driven above these boundaries. Although the transitional value of the turbulent Reynolds number of R et > 15 has been used to assess the capacity of stratified flow to sustain turbulent fluxes, the laboratory and field data presented in this study reveal turbulence activity in the range of R et > 1. A scaling analysis indicates the turbulent boundary layer thickness depends on four parameters: the dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy, the strength of stratification, the length of the sloping boundary, and the angle of inclination of the sloping boundary. A proposed model of the boundary layer thickness is in good agreement with the laboratory and field measurements.

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