The Environmental Control of Near-Surface Thermoclines in Boreal Lakes

Abstract

We report on the effect of lake size, water transparency, and wind on the frequency of transient near-surface thermoclines in 39 boreal lakes from the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) and Northwest Ontario Lake Size Series (NOLSS). This study was based on more than 3000 archived temperature profiles amassed over a 25-year period for lakes ranging from 2 ha to 8 million ha in surface area. The incidence of transient thermoclines decreased with increasing lake size from 90% of all summer days in small lakes (less than 4 ha) to 40% or less in the larger NOLSS lakes (up to 34,700 ha). No transient near-surface thermoclines were detected in Lake Superior. Forest fires and climatic variability were also found to affect the frequency of near-surface thermoclines. Long-term trends indicate an increase in average annual wind velocity in the area, possibly as the result of extensive forest fires and clearcutting. The subsequent decrease in the frequency of shallow secondary thermoclines in aquatic ecosystems has possible consequences for the lake biota, as the result of changes in radiation, turbulence, and the nutrient regime.