Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Cycle Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards related to the phosphorus cycle in Lake Simcoe, based on lecture notes.

Phosphorus

A naturally occurring element essential for all life, found in plants, animals, and DNA. An essential nutrient, but too much can fuel excessive plant and algae growth.

Phosphorus Cycle

The interaction, sharing, and storage of phosphorus between water, plants, animals, and sediments in a lake.

Lake Simcoe Protection Act and Plan

Provincial government initiative with a key objective of reducing phosphorus levels in Lake Simcoe.

Sediment Phosphorus

Variable concentrations of phosphorus deposits in the sediment of Lake Simcoe, influenced by factors like aquatic plant uptake (low concentration) and plant population size (higher concentration).

Dissolved Phosphorus

A portion of phosphorus that enters the lake and remains dissolved in the water. Approximately 11 tonnes of dissolved phosphorus leaves Lake Simcoe each year through Atherley Narrows.

Atherley Narrows

The outlet where Lake Simcoe waters drain into Lake Couchiching, and where dissolved phosphorus leaves the lake.