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The Contribution of Ice Cover to Sediment Resuspension in a Shallow Temperate Lake: Possible Effects of Climate Change on Internal Nutrient Loading
Author(s) -
Niemistö Juha P.,
Horppila Jukka
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq2006.0487
Subject(s) - temperate climate , sediment , sedimentation , environmental science , climate change , hydrology (agriculture) , oceanography , physical geography , geology , ecology , geomorphology , geography , biology , geotechnical engineering
The effect of ice cover on sediment resuspension and internal total P (Tot‐P) loading was studied in the northern temperate Kirkkojärvi basin in Finland. The gross sedimentation and resuspension rates were estimated with sediment traps during ice‐cover and ice‐free periods. After ice break, the average gross sedimentation rate increased from 1.4 to 30.0 g dw m −2 d −1 Resuspension calculations showed clearly higher values after ice break as well. Under ice cover, resuspension ranged from 50 to 78% of the gross sedimentation while during the ice‐free period it constituted from 87 to 97% of the gross sedimentation. Consequently, the average resuspension rate increased from 1.0 g dw m −2 d −1 under ice‐cover to 27.0 g dw m −2 d −1 after thaw, indicating the strong effect of ice cover on sediment resuspension. To estimate the potential effect of climate change on internal P loading caused by resuspension we compared the Tot‐P loading calculations between the present climate and the climate with doubled atmospheric CO 2 concentration relative to the present day values (ice cover reduced from current 165 to 105 d). The annual load increased from 7.4 to 9.4 g m −2 In conclusion, the annual internal Tot‐P loading caused by resuspension will increase by 28% in the Kirkkojärvi basin if the 2 × CO 2 climate scenario comes true.