LAKES

Ecosystem

Temperature-Density
Relationship in Water
Density increases with decrease in
temperature
Maximum density is approximately at
4oC
Below 4oC, water is less dense

Stratification of Lakes
Occurs when a warm surface layer of
water develops over cooler, deeper
water
A warming climate results in frequent
and larger "dead zones"areas of
water depleted of oxygen and unable
to support life

Stratification of Lakes
Persistent dead zones can result in
toxic algal blooms,
foul-smelling,
musty-tasting drinking water,
damage to fisheries, and
massive fish kills

Stratification of Lakes
Lower oxygen and warmer
temperatures promote
greater microbial decomposition and
subsequent release of nutrients and
contaminants from bottom sediments
Phosphorus released is enhanced
Mercury release and uptake by biota is
likely to increase exposing humans to
higher mercury levels via fish
consumption.

Seasonal Lake Stratification

Spring
After the ice melts on a lake, temperature from the
surface to the bottom is generally the same.
Wind allows circulation and mixing of the lake
water.
Surface water can be pushed to the lake bottom and
bottom water can rise to the surface
Large amounts of oxygen can
reach the bottom of the lake.

Seasonal Lake Stratification

Late Spring
Air temperatures rise heats warms lake from
surface down.
Warm water is less dense and floats over the cold
water.
Epilimnion layer of warm water
Hypolimnion cold layer below
Thermocline or metalimnion
layer between epilimnion and
hypolimnion
rapidly changes temperature
with depth.

Seasonal Lake Stratification

Summer
Epilimnion reaches maximum depth.
Warm water and abundant sunlight provide
ideal environment for algae growth.
Algal blooms tend to give the epilimnion a
greenish hue
Wind circulates the surface
water
Water is only mixed in the
epilimnion.
Bottom is deprived of
oxygen

Seasonal Lake Stratification

Autumn
Epilimnion becomes shallow
Hypolimnion increases in thickness
Lake loses its stratification
Generally uniform temperatures

Seasonal Lake Stratification

Surface water cools faster than water below
Cold, dense water sinks and further helps to mix
the lake
Complete mixing occurs
Oxygen and nutrients are replenished throughout
the lake.
This process is called
autumn overturn.

Seasonal Lake Stratification

Winter
Surface water is cooled below 4C (0oC)
Water no longer sinks and solidifies.
Ice covers the surface and prevents wind from
mixing the lake water
A layer of low density water
colder than 4C, but warmer
than 0C forms just under
the ice.
Winter stagnation

Annual Cycle of Thermal

Stratification

Temperature Profile

Density Stratification

Stratification in Lakes

Stratification in Lakes

Lake Zones

Typical Food Chain

Typical Food Chain

in Lakes