Morphology and morphometry of upland lakes over lateritic crust, Serra dos Carajás, southeastern Amazon region.

Renato O Silva Júnior,Francisco R Da Costa,Wilson Nascimento Júnior,Prafulla K Sahoo,Marcio S Da Silva,Tarcísio M Rodrigues,Pedro W.M Souza Filho,Marlene F Da Costa,José T.F Guimarães

doi:10.1590/0001-3765201820170349

Abstract

High-resolution satellite images, digital elevation models, bathymetric and sedimentological surveys coupled with statistical analysis were used to understand the physical environment and discuss their influence on water quality of the five upland lakes of Serra Sul dos Carajás, southeast Amazonia. The lakes have mid-altitude ranges (elevation), very small (catchment) and shallow to very shallow (central basins). Based on the length, area and volume, Violão and TI (Três Irmãs)-3 lakes may present large vertical movements of the water due to wind action and weakly stratified waters. Trophic conditions based on depth and shore development (Ld) parameters must be used with caution, since Amendoim Lake is relatively deep, but it is oligotrophic to ultra-oligotrophic. Ld values suggest that the lakes are circular to subcircular and are likely formed by solution process, as also suggested by volume development. TI-2 Lake is only presenting convex central basin and has highest dynamic ratio (DR), thus it may have high sedimentation and erosion rates. Based on the relationship between studied parameters, morphometric index and DR likely influence temperature and dissolved oxygen of waters of TI-2 Lake due to its depth profile and wind-induced surface mixing. Nevertheless, water quality parameters are controlled by catchment characteristics of the lakes.

Highlights

Understanding physical characteristics of lake system related to morphometric and morphological thermal stability and stratification of the water column, circulation and sedimentary processes (e.g. Panosso et al 1995, Beisner et al 2006, Håkanson 2004, Smith et al 2005, Genkai-Kato and Carpenter 2005, Fantin-Cruz et al 2008, Souza Filho et al 2016)
The upland lakes Violão, Amendoim and Três Irmãs (TI-1, TI-2 and TI-3) are classified as midaltitude, very small and shallow based on elevation, catchment and central basin areas
Morphometric parameters related to length, area and volume suggest that Violão and TI-3 lakes may present large vertical movements of the water due to wind action and weakly stratified waters

Summary

Introduction

Understanding physical characteristics of lake system related to morphometric and morphological thermal stability and stratification of the water column, circulation and sedimentary processes (e.g. Panosso et al 1995, Beisner et al 2006, Håkanson 2004, Smith et al 2005, Genkai-Kato and Carpenter 2005, Fantin-Cruz et al 2008, Souza Filho et al 2016). Lake morphometric data are required for a precise evaluation of sediment accumulation rates, dispersion patterns, sensitivity and resilience due to pollutant input in lake systems (Håkanson 1999). The interactions between these environmental variables may significantly vary depending on the lake characteristics. Lowland lakes are widespread on floodplains of the Amazon basin, where they are influenced by annual flood pulse of the rivers according to climate seasonality (Junk 1997) They receive huge amounts of suspended material from different sources, which are likely located hundreds of kilometers distant during high-stand conditions (Lesack and Melack 1995). The present study aims to analyze morphological pattern and morphometric characteristics and their influence on limnology of five upland lakes (Violão, Amendoim, Três Irmãs (TI-1, TI-2 and TI-3) in the Serra Sul de Carajás, southeastern Amazon region

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion