In shallow, non-protected lakes, the wind has the capability to thoroughly mix the water, resulting in a smaller range in water temperature. Generally, deeper lakes and lakes that are more protected are partially mixed, due to the wind, causing stratification, resulting in the presence of a thermocline. Another characteristic we observed during the study was light intensity profile. This is greatly influenced by the amount of nutrients in the lake. As we know, the nutrients are the base of the food chain in these aquatic ecosystems.
More nutrients result in a greater concentration of phytoplankton in the water.
Phytoplankton absorb light, resulting in decreased light intensity with descending depth. Therefore, water containing more phytoplankton will be murkier, with a higher value of nu, the light extinction coefficient. Also a key factor in the characterization of lakes is the dissolved oxygen profile. Photosynthesis, which produces oxygen, is carried out by phytoplankton and macrophytes during daylight hours. Respiration, which consumes oxygen, is a constant ongoing process.