Thermocline Research Paper

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According to the data collected a thermocline was detected on Lake Kathlyn. Between the depths of 5.0m and 7.5 m there is a rapid decrease in temperature, dropping from 17.88˚C to 6.88˚C. The data in table # shows that the greatest change in temperature occurs between 5.0m and 5.5m, decreasing by approximately 3.44 ˚C. In contrast, in Lake Sasajewun a thermocline was not detected. The temperature of the lake was 16.82˚C at a depth of 0.5m and 15.19˚ C at 3.0m (bottom of the lake).
The thermocline can form an important habitat for organisms that can regulate their body density because they can position themselves in the thermocline and benefit from both the epilimnion and hypolimnion (Boeher and Shultze, 2008). Thermal stratification has a variety of influences on the ecology of lakes, for example it can have implications for fish species, phytoplankton populations and the …show more content…
In temperate climates these lakes can experience spring overturn, summer stratification, fall overturn and winter stagnation (Fromanger, Ecosystems, week 2- water quality). Spring turnover occurs when the ice melts, water begins to warm and the wind causes the surface water to sink and mix with the deeper water. As the season turns to Summer, the lake stratifies into three layers as discussed. Fall turnover occurs when the water in the epilimnion begins to cool and sink, and at the same time the metalimnion begins to disappear. Once again, wind is an essential element of lake mixing. During winter stagnation ice cover can act as a barrier from wind and can prevent the lake from mixing (Illinois EPA, 2009). One of the benefits of seasonal overturn is the re-distribution and circulation of nutrients that have been separated by the metalimnion. in addition, turnover allows for oxygen to mix between the layers and sustain fish and other organisms all year, through seasonal changes. ADD
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