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