Chapter 10 - Density, Layering, and Lake Mixing

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 10 regarding lake chemistry and physical characteristics.

Temperature Stratification

The layering of water with different temperatures how it affects density and mixing.

Epilimnion

The upper layer of water in a stratified lake, warmed by sunlight.

Hypolimnion

The dense, cold bottom layer of water in a stratified lake.

Thermocline

The layer between the epilimnion and hypolimnion where temperature decreases rapidly.

Isothermal

A body of water with uniform temperature throughout.

Density

Mass per unit volume of a substance; in water, it changes with temperature.

Inverse Stratification

When the temperature increases with depth, typically due to high solute concentration.

Amixis

Lakes that never circulate; usually ice-covered permanently.

Holomixis

Complete mixing of a lake's waters, typically driven by wind.

Meromixis

Partial mixing where the bottom layer remains stagnant.