Classification of Lakes Based on Water Circulation Patterns

Classification of Lakes Based on Water Circulation Patterns The pattern of lake water circulation is greatly influenced by factors such as climate, lake depth, as well as its geographical characteristics. This water circulation plays an important role in the distribution of oxygen, nutrients, and organisms in the lake. The following is an explanation of the classification of lakes based on their circulation patterns: 1. Dimictic: o Dimictic lakes experience two complete water circulation or mixing in a year, usually in spring and autumn. o In summer, the upper layer of water (epilimnion) is warmer and separated from the cooler lower layer (hipolymnion) by a layer of thermoclin. o In autumn, the temperature of the epilimnium drops, the thermoclin disappears, and the lake water mixes thoroughly. o This pattern is common in temperate regions. 2. Cold Monomic: o Cold monomic lakes only experience water circulation once a year, which is in summer. o Throughout the year, the lake's water temperature remains below 4 degrees Celsius. o This pattern is common in polar regions or high mountains. 3. Hot Monomic: o Hot monomic lakes also experience water circulation once a year, but in winter. o Throughout the year, the lake's water temperature remains above 4 degrees Celsius. o This pattern is common in subtropical areas. 4. Polymic: o Polymic lakes experience almost constant water circulation throughout the year. o There is no stable thermal stratification, and the lake water is mixed regularly. o This pattern is common in tropical regions with small variations in daily temperatures. 5. Oligomic: o Oligomic lakes experience very slow and rare water circulation. o Thermal stratification tends to be stable, and water mixing occurs only occasionally due to extreme weather events. o This pattern is common in deep tropical lakes. 6. Memetics: o Meromictic Lake has a layer of water that never mixes thoroughly. o The lower layer (monimolimnion) has a significant chemical difference from the upper layer (mixolimnion). o This pattern can occur due to differences in salinity, mineral content, or the presence of certain gases in the lower layers. Impact of Water Circulation Patterns on Lake Ecosystems Water circulation patterns have a great impact on the lake ecosystem. Good water circulation ensures an even distribution of oxygen and nutrients throughout the lake, supporting the life of aquatic organisms. In contrast, lakes with poor water circulation can experience oxygen deprivation in the lower layers, which can lead to the death of fish and other organisms. In addition, water circulation patterns also affect the types of organisms that can live in lakes. Dimictic lakes, for example, support higher biodiversity due to the regular mixing of water. In contrast, meromictic lakes tend to have lower biodiversity due to more extreme environmental conditions in the lower layers.