Abstract: Publisher SummaryMost deep lakes in temperate regions show a so-called stratification. Vertical mixing is incomplete, so that two or more distinct layers occur during at least part of the year. In late autumn and in winter (if no ice is formed) the lakewater is mixed homogeneously; the lake is then described as having a complete circulation. Winter stratification can occur if ice forms, the layers now having an inverse temperature difference. If no ice forms, the lakewater will remain completely mixed during the winter. Lakes which have both summer and winter stratification, with autumn and spring mixing are called dimictic. Another factor determining whether or not stratification will occur is the ratio between the depth of water layer which can be mixed by wind action and the total depth. Thermal stratification is usually shown in a time-depth diagram, in which lines connecting points of equal temperature (isotherms) are drawn. Periods of mixing are easily recognizable from the vertical lines, whereas stratification is indicated by a series of horizontal lines. Meromictic lakes are the lakes in which stratification occurs throughout the year. This may be owing to physical processes or to chemical processes. The chapter also discusses the chemical stratification resulting from physical stratification.
Publication Year: 1975
Publication Date: 1975-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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