Abstract
Changes in water levels in lakes play an important role in the development of their coastal zones and water trophy. The aim of this study was to assess the role of changes in hydrometeorological conditions in the development of littoral and riparian vegetation of a meromictic lake during the last half-century. The study was carried out in Lake Powidzkie, one of the largest water reservoirs located in central Poland. Water level and meteorological conditions were analyzed in the period 1961–2015. Modifications in the range of plant communities were analyzed on the basis of cartographic materials and field studies. Meteorological conditions, especially precipitation and evaporation, were found to strongly affect the lake's water retention, whilst they had less of an effect on water levels. A significant effect of the lowering of the water level in Lake Powidzkie on the development of the littoral zone, whose area more than doubled over the last half-century, from 41.5 to 118.8 ha, was noted. The most dynamic development of the littoral was observed in the last quarter of the century, in which three of several years of low-flow were recorded. The occurrence of periods with an increased amount of precipitation, after dry periods, did not contribute to the reduction of the size of the rush zone and limitation of the development of woody vegetation.
Highlights
In the last half-century, lakes have undergone many extreme phenomena, partly following natural causes, but above all, due to human activities [1,2,3]
This study has shown a significant effect of the water level in Lake Powidzkie on the development of the rush zone, whose area has more than doubled over the last half-century—from 41.5 to 118.8 ha
The most dynamic development of the littoral zone was observed in the last quarter of the century, in which three periods of low-water level were recorded
Summary
In the last half-century, lakes have undergone many extreme phenomena, partly following natural causes, but above all, due to human activities [1,2,3]. Numerous droughts have alternated with extremely wet periods, which, in water bodies, are manifested by changes in water levels from extremely high to extremely low in a short period of time [4,5,6]. These changes have had a major impact on lake ecosystems, especially coastal and littoral vegetation [7,8,9]. It is important to establish the extent of the area affected by changes in the water level of a given lake and predict long-term effects of these modifications. Due to the currently occurring significant changes in meteorological conditions caused by climate change, the dynamics of these processes can be significant [12]
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