Abstract
AbstractMaximum depth is crucial for many lake processes and biota, but attempts to explain its variation have achieved little predictive power. In this paper, we describe the probability distribution of maximum depths based on recent developments in the theory of fractal Brownian motions. The theoretical distribution is right‐tailed and adequately captures variations in maximum depth in a dataset of 8164 lakes (maximum depths 0.1–135 m) from the northeastern United States. Maximum depth increases with surface area, but with substantial random variation—the 95% prediction interval spans more than an order of magnitude for lakes with any specific surface area. Our results explain the observed variability in lake maximum depths, capture the link between topographic characteristics and lake bathymetry, and provide a means to upscale maximum depth‐dependent processes, which we illustrate by upscaling the diffusive flux of methane from northern lakes to the atmosphere.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
