What’s in a lake? Exploring Florida’s diverse lakes: Part 2

Last time, we detailed how different hydrogeological processes influence the trophic state of some lakes.  The processes that created northern lakes also contributed to their clear bluewaters and in part contributed to a backbone (and stereotype) in how people perceive and use their lakes.

In this entry, Chris and I help describe the processes that affect Florida lakes and what makes them different, both ecologically and in human perception, compared with northern lakes.

What’s in a lake? Exploring Florida’s diverse lakes: Part 1

Not all lakes are created equal

Florida lakes can be quite different in shape and water quality than their northern counterparts.  Limnologists (i.e., scientists that study lakes and reservoirs) group lake types together based on ecologically-relevant criteria known as ‘trophic state’.  Some of the most useful determinants in lake quality (ultimately how people use and evaluate their lakes) are the amounts of nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, in the water column of a lake. Nutrient concentrations are often the limiting factors regarding lake productivity.  These ‘limiting nutrients’ are required by plants and phytoplankton to grow. The growth and proliferation of these primary producers enhance fish and wildlife populations in lakes.