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 4oC
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 4oC, but warmer
than 0oC 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