Unusual characteristics in a Meromictic lake in Greece

Abstract

Abstract The studied lake, a meromictic shallow lagoon, in Peloponissos, presents unusual physical and chemical features which derive mainly from its mineral springs, and the sea water that invades into the lake. The form of vegetation and the abundant organic matter of the mud together with the sulfate salts of the water create conditions which are responsible for the production of gases such as H2S and CH4. Vertical profiles of temperature, salinity and oxygen show that a large area of the lake is well stratified, at least periodically and no marked mixing occurs, between the upper less saline water and the lower saline water. In the halocline the vertical gradient of salinity is large. Mesothermic and poikilothermic conditions were also observed, whereas large temperature differences were recorded in water column.