Density Stratification
Differences in density throughout the water column establish the stratification that is observed in our local lakes. Typically, temperature has the strongest influence on density stratification. Generally density differences in the water column increase from spring into summer with the upper warmer water being less dense then the cooler lower water. The heating of upper water is largely the result of increased solar radiation and from heat inputs from the warmer air. Density differences tend to decrease in the fall. Generally solar heating tends to increase stratification (greater density differences) while winds blowing across a lakes surface tends to remove the stratification. In deep lakes, during the summer months differences in density throughout the water column tend to be large enough to resist wind mixing, however during the fall (or early spring) reduced density stratification allows wind to more easily mix the water the column. When the stratification is significantly weak, turnover occurs. The plots shown on the following pages illustrate the features of current stratification.
In the plots that follow, the depth and magnitude of maximum density gradient are identified. This depth is often characterized as the thermocline depth. A time-series plot showing the minimum and maximum densities during each profile is presented. Finally, the most recent profile's temperature (T), specific conductivity (SC), and density (calculated with and without salinity effects) are presented.
Density Time-series
Onondaga Lake Density Plots
Otisco Lake Density Plots
Skaneateles Density Plots
Owasco Lake Density Plots
Cross Lake Density Plots
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