Temperature and Lakes
The density of water is greatest at 4 Celsius (39.2 F) it becomes less dense as water warms and as it approaches freezing. The density of ice is only.917 which is why ice floats. Only very shallow lakes ever freeze solid, because ice is a poor conductor and reduces heat loss from below.
The heat-holding capacity of water is great. It absorbs and releases heat much more slowly than air does. For this reason plants and animals of most lakes are not subjected to suddenly varied temperatures. As air temperatures vary widely throughout the day, the water temperature in a lake changes slowly. As lake temperatures rise due to global warming. What do you think could happen to the fish and plants that call your local lake home?
June 11, 2007 9:49 AM | Category: Global Warming, Water