Epilimnion
The epilimnion or surface layer is the top-most layer in a thermally stratified lake, occurring above the deeper hypolimnion. It is warmer and typically has a higher pH and higher dissolved oxygen concentration than the hypolimnion.
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Lakes are stratified into three separate sections:
Ⅰ. The Epilimnion
Ⅱ. The Metalimnion
Ⅲ. The Hypolimnion
The scales are used to associate each section of the stratification to their corresponding depths and temperatures. The arrow is used to show the movement of wind over the surface of the water which initiates the turnover in the epilimnion and the hypolimnion.
Ⅰ. The Epilimnion
Ⅱ. The Metalimnion
Ⅲ. The Hypolimnion
The scales are used to associate each section of the stratification to their corresponding depths and temperatures. The arrow is used to show the movement of wind over the surface of the water which initiates the turnover in the epilimnion and the hypolimnion.
| Lake zones |
|---|
| Lake stratification |
| Lake types |
| See also |
Being exposed at the surface, it typically becomes turbulently mixed as a result of surface wind-mixing. It is also free to exchange dissolved gases such as O2 and CO2 with the atmosphere. Because this layer receives the most sunlight it contains the most phytoplankton. As they grow and reproduce they absorb nutrients from the water; when they die they sink into the hypolimnion resulting in the epilimnion becoming depleted of nutrients.
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