Response in the trophic state of stratified lakes to changes in hydrology and water level: potential effects of climate change

Journal of Water and Climate Change
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Abstract

To determine how climate-induced changes in hydrology and water level may affect the trophic state (productivity) of stratified lakes, two relatively pristine dimictic temperate lakes in Wisconsin, USA, were examined. Both are closed-basin lakes that experience changes in water level and degradation in water quality during periods of high water. One, a seepage lake with no inlets or outlets, has a small drainage basin and hydrology dominated by precipitation and groundwater exchange causing small changes in water and phosphorus (P) loading, which resulted in small changes in water level, P concentrations, and productivity. The other, a terminal lake with inlets but no outlets, has a large drainage basin and hydrology dominated by runoff causing large changes in water and P loading, which resulted in large changes in water level, P concentrations, and productivity. Eutrophication models accurately predicted the effects of changes in hydrology, P loading, and water level on their trophic state. If climate changes, larger changes in hydrology and water levels than previously observed could occur. If this causes increased water and P loading, stratified (dimictic and monomictic) lakes are expected to experience higher water levels and become more eutrophic, especially those with large developed drainage basins.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Response in the trophic state of stratified lakes to changes in hydrology and water level: potential effects of climate change
Series title Journal of Water and Climate Change
DOI 10.2166/wcc.2011.0026
Volume 2
Issue 1
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher IWA Publishing
Publisher location London
Contributing office(s) Wisconsin Water Science Center
Description 18 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Water and Climate Change
First page 1
Last page 18
Country United States
State Wisconsin
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