Temperaturschichten

Temperaturschichten, often referred to as thermal layers, describe the distinct vertical divisions of a body of water characterized by significant differences in temperature. These layers form primarily due to variations in solar radiation absorption, water density, and wind mixing. The uppermost layer, known as the epilimnion, is typically warmer, well-mixed by wind, and receives the most sunlight. Beneath this lies the thermocline, a transitional zone where temperature decreases rapidly with depth. This rapid change in temperature creates a barrier to vertical mixing. The deepest layer, the hypolimnion, is colder, darker, and relatively stagnant. The presence and thickness of these layers are influenced by factors such as season, latitude, depth of the water body, and prevailing weather conditions. In temperate regions, thermal stratification is most pronounced during summer and breaks down in autumn as surface waters cool and mix with deeper layers. This stratification plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by influencing dissolved oxygen levels, nutrient distribution, and the habitat available for different aquatic organisms. Understanding temperaturschichten is essential for managing fisheries, water quality, and predicting the behavior of aquatic environments.