Tag: lake trivia

5 Fun Facts about Table Rock Lake AR/MO

Posted on Camille Smith

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Photo courtesy of Branson.com

With nearly 800 miles of shoreline, Table Rock Lake is one of the most popular recreation destinations in Arkansas and Missouri. From boating and fishing to parasailing, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities. It’s one of the most famous fishing destinations in the country, especially known for white and spotted bass, crappie, and bluegill. While you’re there, you can also hop on the Branson Belle Showboat for dinner and a show. While this lake is closest to the town of Branson, Missouri, it attracts visitors from all parts of the country. Today, we’re covering 5 facts about what makes Table Rock Lake so special.

It’s Famous for Fishing

Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash

First off, Table Rock Lake is one of the premier largemouth bass fishing lakes in the United States. In addition to black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), it’s also home to an abundance of white bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. In part, this large fish population is the result of a successful fish management program. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, fishing for paddlefish and black bass should be excellent this year. Naturally, the lake hosts several bass fishing tournaments, including the Big Bass Tour with a guaranteed prize of $53,000 for the largest bass caught.

Table Rock Dam Helps Flood Control

Photo courtesy of US Army Corps of Engineers

Table Rock is a human-made lake originally intended to manage flood control on the White River. In 1941, the Table Rock Dam was authorized by the Army Corps of Engineers, but the Korean War and WWII delayed the dam’s construction until the mid-1950s. Table Rock Dam is the second dam (out of four) on the White River before it flows into the Mississippi. To this day, it continues to accomplish its mission of controlling potential floods. Specifically, when the reservoir rises above the maximum flood pool, excess water trains into the dam’s spillway. Its capacity includes more than 3 million acre-feet for both flood control and hydroelectric power combined.

It’s Great For Hiking Enthusiasts

Photo courtesy of Missouri State Park

In addition to Table Rock Lake’s plentiful attractions and natural wonders, the area is also home to Table Rock State Park. In addition to offering a full-service campground and marina, this park is also perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The park’s five trails wind through 365 acres of land, ranging from 124 to 1,194 feet in elevation gain. Before your adventure, you’ll get to choose between easy hikes for the whole family or more arduous trails for a good workout.

A Book Led to Its Popularity

Image courtesy of The Book Supply Company, Chicago, 1907 via Wikipedia

Branson, MO, was originally a small community with only a general store and post office. However, the attractive scenery soon caught the eye of early settlers in the area. Specifically, a writer and minister named Harold Bell Wright wrote the book “The Shepherd of the Hills” after being inspired by the beautiful surroundings, especially Marvel Cave. His 1907 book put Branson, and by extension, Table Rock Lake, on the map. Now, an outdoor venue at Table Rock performs a live reenactment of the novel, which depicts life in the Ozark Mountains in the late 1800s.

It Attracts Famous Performers

Photo courtesy of Presleys.com

One of the first attractions of the budding town of Branson was the Silver Dollar City. The city was founded in 1960, in part due to its proximity to Marvel Cave. Over time, the town became a large entertainment site. As of the early 2000s, Table Rock has been home to more than 100 music venues including Presleys Country Jubilee, Grand Country Music Hall, and Nashville Roadhouse Theater. No matter what time of year you visit, you can always find new live theater and music to see in Branson. 

Why wait to check out homes at Table Rock Lake? To immerse yourself in the gorgeous scenery, ample fishing opportunities, and thriving music scene in this lake region, view our listings at Lakehomes.com.

Interested in the beach lifestyle? From beach living to beach real estate, we’ve got the information you need to stay current with “all things beach.” LEARN MORE>>

Top 5 Lakes With the Highest Elevation in the World

Posted on Lacey Spear

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Crater Lake on a green hill with a larger lake in the background.
Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock | Vicky SP

There’s nothing like gazing at the lake from the dock or back porch of your lake home. But can you imagine a bird‘s eye view of these incredible bodies of water? Some lakes are situated at such heights that you must hike for days to view their sparkling waters.

As you will notice, South America dominates the list of lakes with the highest elevation. Although some sources rank Asian lakes such as Lhagba, Changste, and East Rongbuk as top-elevation lakes, you will not find them on this list. As HighestLakes.com points out, Lhagba and Changste no longer exist, and East Rongbuk only appears during the snowmelt season. Plus, some Asian lakes may not be documented, as it is challenging to procure accurate information about the Himalayas. Nonetheless, if you’re ready to take your lake trivia to new heights, check out these top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world!

1. Ojos del Salado, Argentina

The frozen crater lake on Ojos del Salado in Chile---the highest lake in the world.
Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Argentina’s Ojos del Salado (“Eyes of the Salty One”) ranks as the world’s highest active volcano and contains the lake with the highest elevation on the planet. The small crater lake rests at an elevation of 22,615 feet (6,893). In 1937, Polish explorers discovered the lake; today, many tourists hike the volcano to view its waters. Notably, there has been some contention as to whether Ojos del Salado is a lake since it only has a circumference of 328 feet (100 meters). Despite this dispute, the lake continues to attract travelers and adventurers from all over the world.

2. Tres Cruces Norte, Chile

Tall mountain with small body of water nestled in it.
Photo Courtesy of XDEEP

With an elevation of 20,361 feet (6,206 meters), Tres Cruces Norte (“Three North Crosses”) ranks only under Ojos del Salado as the second-highest lake in Chile and the world. The lake rests on the lowest of the three peaks in a half-open caldera—a hollow that forms when a volcano erupts and collapses. The Polish explorers discovered the lake in 1937. Then, in 2015, Madswimmers—a group of Polish divers—completed the highest swim in the world upon diving into the Tres Cruces Norte lake. Today, it is an attractive scuba diving and hiking destination.

3. Acamarachi Pool, Chile

Clear body of water in front of tall volcano.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia | Acamarachi Volcano is pictured, but the actual lake lies at the volcano’s summit and is not in the photo above.

Soaring 19,836 feet (6,046 meters), Acamarachi (“Black Moon”) is the tallest volcano in the northern segment of Chile. A crater lake rests on the volcano’s summit and is kept ice-free by the nearby magmatic heat. The lake is 10–15 feet deep and, at one point, was the site of the world’s highest underwater dive. The volcano is also famous for its Inca mountain sanctuary, where several ancient figurines were discovered.

4. Lake Lincancabur, Chile/Bolivia

Lake Licancabur in Boliva/Chile.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Licancabur is a symmetrical volcano between Chile and Bolivia, reaching a peak of 19,410 feet (5,916 meters). It contains a crater lake with an elevation of 19,409 feet (5,916 meters). The lake stretches 328 feet (100 meters) long, 229 feet (70 meters) wide, and 26 feet (eight meters) deep. Most of the year, the lake is frozen. However, in the warmer months, it is in liquid form, as pictured above. Although the temperatures can often dip to -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 degrees Celcius), Licancabur Lake houses a plethora of planktonic fauna.

5. Aguas Calientes Pool, Chile

Red pool of water on Aguas Calientes.
Photo Courtesy of High Lakes

Climbing 19,436 feet (5,924 meters) high, the Aguas Calientes (“Hot Waters”) Volcano is situated in Chile. Within the summit lies a small crater lake with an elevation of 19,260 feet (5,870 meters). The lake has an intriguing red tint due to its substantial population of microorganisms. The winds often carry sulfuric acid and water vapor clouds into the waters, making them acidic. The lake’s ecosystem relies primarily on photosynthesis but can also be influenced by the hydrothermal activities of the nearby volcano. Interestingly, many have studied the Aguas Calientes lake as a potential terrestrial parallel to Mars.

Bonus: Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia

Photo courtesy of Pexels

Although Lake Titicaca does not make the list of the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world, it is the highest navigable lake on the planet. While the other top lakes are small bodies of water, Lake Titicaca spans 3,200 square miles (2,048,000 acres). Situated in the Andes Mountains, the lake has an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters). It is the second-largest lake in South America, after Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. Lake Titicaca also attracts many tourists due to the 120 handmade floating islands crafted by the local indigenous Bolivians, the Uru. They not only live in these unique homes but also offer tours of them year-round.

Now, you know where to find the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world. If you’re an adventurer, add them to your bucket list and plan a hiking excursion. Or, if you like staying closer to home, visit LakeHomes.com to view the breathtaking lakes in your local area.

FAQS

The volcano’s small crater lake rests at an elevation of 22,615 feet (6,893).

In 1937, Polish explorers discovered the Ojos del Salado.

With an elevation of 20,361 feet (6,206 meters), Tres Cruces Norte (“Three North Crosses”) ranks only under Ojos del Salado as the second-highest lake in Chile and the world.

In 2015, Madswimmers—a group of Polish divers—completed the highest swim in the world upon diving into the Tres Cruces Norte lake.

Soaring 19,836 feet (6,046 meters) high, Acamarachi (“Black Moon”) is the tallest volcano in the northern segment of Chile.

The lake is 10–15 feet deep and, at one point, was the site of the world’s highest underwater dive.

Licancabur is a symmetrical volcano situated between Chile and Bolivia, reaching 19,410 feet (5,916 meters) at its peak.

It contains a crater lake which sits at an elevation of 19,409 feet (5,916 meters).

Climbing 19,436 feet (5,924 meters) high, the Aguas Calientes (“Hot Waters”) Volcano is situated in Chile.

Within the summit lies a small crater lake with an elevation of 19,260 feet (5,870 meters).

The lake has an intriguing red tint due to a substantial population of microorganisms. The winds often carry sulfuric acid and water vapor clouds in the waters, making them acidic. The lake’s ecosystem relies primarily on photosynthesis but also can be influenced by the hydrothermal activities of the nearby volcano.

The crater lake on Aguas Calientes Volcano in Chile.

Although Lake Titicaca does not make the list of the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world, it is the highest navigable lake on the planet.

Lake Titicaca spans 3,200 square miles (2,048,000 acres).

Situated in the Andes Mountains, the lake has an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters).

Lake Titicaca is the second-largest lake in South America after Maracaibo in Venezuela.

Lake Titicaca also attracts many tourists due to the 120 handmade floating islands crafted by the local indigenous Bolivians. They not only live in these unique homes but also offer tours of them year-round.

Lakes with the Longest Shorelines in the World

Posted on Noah Ryan
a rocky shore of Lake Superior
Courtesy of Michigan.org

From the continent-connecting Caspian Sea to the tropical allure of Lake Victoria, lakes with long shorelines have earned the attention and imagination of people across the globe. As we explore the history and cultural significance of these lakes, let this list of lakes with the longest shorelines serve as your vacation guide.

Caspian Sea

Photo courtesy of WikiImages from Pixabay

Sat between two continents, Europe and Asia, the Caspian Sea is, appropriately, the largest lake in the world. The lake’s shoreline stretches from 4,300–4,400 miles long, and it touches Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia. While it spans 43,550 square miles, the surface area depends largely on the season and weather patterns, as evaporation is a huge factor in declining water levels. That being said, the lake’s primary water source is the Volga River — contributing to over 80% of inflows. Additionally, water levels are highest during the spring, when the snow melts and flows into the Volga.

While the world knows it as the Caspian Sea, this inland sea is actually a lake. Stories, legends, and myths differ, but tales say that early Greeks encountered the area, and the vastness of the body of water led them to believe that it was a wide, open sea. The high salinity of the water contributes to this theory. Many cultures and civilizations have relied on the Caspian Sea’s water and fish populations. Unlike the rest of dry Iran, their coast on the Caspian Sea is lush and verdant. The western and north-western shores are temperate, and the eastern shores are vastly arid.

Lake Superior

an aerial shot of an island with trees in Lake Superior
Courtesy of Michigan.org

Largest among the American Great Lakes, Lake Superior’s 2,725-mile shoreline dominates the region. This chief among the Great Lakes borders Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Not only the largest lake in the United States, it’s also the largest freshwater lake — 10% of the world’s surface freshwater — in the world and the third-largest by volume. A testament to its size and depth, which averages 483 feet, the other Great Lakes could fit within Lake Superior with plenty of room to spare.

Lake Superior is classified as a glacial lake, meaning that it resulted from the movement and melting of glaciers about 1.2 billion years ago. Later, the native peoples of the area, today called the Ojibwe, called the lake “Gitchi-Gami,” which means “Great Sea.” As for modern times, Lake Superior holds within it at least 350 shipwrecks. The lake became a mainstay for anglers and fishermen, and it contains 88 species of fish. Lake Superior’s primary inflow is the Nigipon River in the north, and it flows out of the St. Mary’s River into Lake Huron.

Lake Huron

The second-largest of the American Great Lakes, Lake Huron is situated between the state of Michigan in the United States and the province of Ontario in Canada. One of the defining features of Lake Huron is its extensive shoreline, stretching over 2,380 miles. From rocky cliffs to sandy beaches, it offers a variety of scenic vistas and recreational opportunities. Towns and harbors dot the coast, attracting tourists and nature enthusiasts who enjoy activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring picturesque coastal areas.

Its origins can be traced back to the retreat of glaciers over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. The lake played a significant role in the development of early Indigenous cultures, serving as a vital waterway for transportation and trade. European exploration and colonization in the 17th century brought French and British influences to the region, leading to the establishment of fur trading posts and the eventual growth of settlements along the lake’s shores.

Lake Victoria

Photo courtesy of Reinout Dujardin from Pixabay

It takes about three months for the cool waters from Lake Victoria to travel to the Nile Delta and the Mediterranean Sea. Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, is a member of what historians dub the “African Great Lake” and boasts an impressive shoreline between 2,100–2,400 miles. Not content with being the largest lake in Africa, it’s also the world’s largest tropical lake and second-largest freshwater lake. Lake Victoria is home to over 60 islands, called the Sese Archipelago, and 200 species of fish, of which tilapia is highly favored.

a map showing where Lake Victoria is
Courtesy of ACARE.org

Lake Victoria, also known as Ukerewe and Victoria Nyanza, is fed by the Kagera River and regular rainfall. This water travels through the Vicotria Nile in the north into Lake Kyoga, and then it flows into Lake Albert, the White Nile, and finally into the Nile proper. The lake can be divided into three distinct regions: south, north, and northeast. These regions correspond to Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya — the nations that call the lake their own. Furthermore, Lake Victoria contributed greatly to the growth of these nations, and Uganda’s capital, Kampala sits on the northern shore.

So, now you know your next jet-setting lake vacation destination. But for a better idea of the lakes with the longest shorelines in the United States—including one anomaly— check out our other blog!

Subterranean Fish: Species Found in Underground Lakes

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Aubtu

When it comes to freshwater aquatic life, there’s so much that’s still unexplored. Surprisingly, most of them won’t be found in the open waters outside your lake house. Many species of fish dwell only in underground lakes, often living in caves that are unreachable by boat. In fact, there are more than 200 distinct species of cavefish, also known as subterranean fish, existing on almost every continent besides Antarctica. However, due to their underground locations, this number only scratches the surface of the abundance of species that likely exist. Today, we’re taking a look at some interesting fish species found in underground lakes!

Alabama Cavefish

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

One unfortunate issue with fish species in underground lakes is their endangered state. More than 50 species are recognized as threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Among them is the Alabama Cavefish. These underground-dwelling fish live only in Key Cave which is located in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Their population sits at only 100 fish, making them one of the rarest cave-dwelling species in North America.

Dragon Snakehead

Photo courtesy of Ralf Britz

Just last year, a new type of underground fish species was discovered. Living below the Indian state of Kerala, a plethora of intriguing fish exist – many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The recently-discovered dragon snakehead fish was originally seen in 2019 after tragic floods in the state. Thought to be part of the Channidae family, scientists dismissed it as a common cavefish and named it Gollum the character from Lord of the Rings. However, after scientists have examined this fish in further detail over the past few years, it has become evident that the fish belongs to an entirely new family of snakeheads: Aenigmachanna. The realization that the dragon snakehead fish has unique characteristics all their own is one of the most exciting discoveries about aquatic life in the last decade.

Mexican Cavefish

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

There are two types of Mexican tetra: one is native to the Rio Grande, as well as other parts of Mexico and southern Texas. However, the other type of Mexican tetra (also known as Mexican cavefish or blind cave tetra) can be found in caverns and underground caves throughout the region. As a tough subtropical fish, they enjoy warm climates and feeding along the bottom of the lake. However, one of the most interesting things about the Mexican Cavefish is its evolution. Over time, this species has evolved to blindness. For most species, this transformation would be maladaptive and would only occur in a mutation. However, for the Mexican cavefish, the lack of eyesight is helpful for living in dark waters. Instead of attempting to see their surroundings, they get by using a lateral line system to detect changes in water vibrations. 

Hyaline Fish

While many subterranean fish species have existed for hundreds of years, the hyaline fish trumps them all. Documented almost 500 years ago in 1541, the hyaline fish is the oldest recorded species of obligate cavefish. Found only in Yunnan, China, this species is considered threatened. Like many other cave fish, it lacks scales and coloring, as well as external eyes. But the Sinocyclocheilus hyalinus’s most unique characteristic is its skull horn and dorsal hump.

Rattail Knifefishes

Photo courtesy of ResearchGate

Also known as glass knifefish, these fish live in freshwater streams in Panama and South America. However, a specific subspecies of glass knifefish, Eigenmannia vicentespelaea, specifically inhabit caves. This subterranean fish species is the only cave-dwelling member of the knifefish family. Unlike other knifefish, it has a translucent body and small eyes. Specifically, they can be found in caves near Sao Domingos, a city in the Goias state of Brazil. It’s endemic to this single cave system, meaning that these fish don’t exist anywhere else in the world. 

These underground fish species — plus thousands more like them — are all part of the freshwater systems we don’t see. Next time you’re on the lake, remember that there’s more to aquatic life than meets the eye!

Continents With the Most and Fewest Lakes

Posted on Lacey Spear
Photo courtesy of Christoph Purin from Pixabay

Previously on Lake Homes Lifestyles, we covered which states and countries have the most or fewest lakes. But now, it’s time to add all these up and see where each continent ranks. As the data demonstrates, the continents with the most lakes tend to be situated in the Northern hemisphere. Back during the last Ice Age, enormous ice sheets covered Northern Canada, Scandinavia, Russia, and Alaska. Consequently, when the glaciers melted, they left behind the hundreds of thousands of lakes that we know and appreciate today. So journey with us around the world as we explore these distinct lake landscapes!

Continents With the Most Lakes:

North America

Crater Lake in Oregon, sparkling blue waters with grey mountains and green trees around.
Crater Lake, Oregon / Photo Courtesy of National Park

Considering that the majority of the world’s lakes are in Canada and Alaska, it is not surprising that North America contains the most lakes out of any continent. Although no one knows the exact number, researchers posit that there are at least two million Canadian lakes. Plus, the United States boasts an even more impressive lake population. Alaska alone houses 3,197 named lakes and three million unnamed lakes spanning more than five acres. However, it is important to note that although Alaska contains more lakes, Canada has more water surface area. Additionally, in the lower 48 states, there are at least 125,000 lakes larger than 20 acres. So, if you want live on the lake, you will find the most opportunities in North America. And if all these options seem overwhelming, Lake Homes Realty can help you find the right lake for you!

Europe

Photo courtesy of Leonhard Niederwimmer from Pixabay

Studies show that there are more than 500,000 natural lakes larger than 2.5 acres in Europe. Nonetheless, this number does not take into account man-made lakes, so the overall figure is likely much larger. Furthermore, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Karelo-Kola region of Russia dedicate 5-10% of their surface area to lakes. The European segment of Russia boasts notable bodies of water like Lake Kuybyshev—the world’s third largest reservoir—and Lake Ladoga—the world’s 14th largest natural lake. Also, Finland has 188,000 lakes, making it the country with the most lakes in relation to its area. In fact, there is one lake for every 26 persons in Finland. However, the Southern European countries showcase far fewer lakes due to the fact that there were not as many ice sheets in these regions.

Continents With the Fewest Lakes

Africa

Photo courtesy of Reinout Dujardin from Pixabay

Despite being a sizeable continent, Africa only contains 677 lakes. Especially in the Northern region, the majority of the land mass is dry due to inconsistent rainfall, and lakes are harder to find. Nonetheless, Africa still boasts several spectacular bodies of water. Lake Victoria, for example, spans three countries—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—and is the 9th largest continental lake in terms of volume. Additionally, Africa contains the world’s second-oldest freshwater lake, Lake Tanganyika. This body of water dates back 9-12 million years and stretches into four countries—Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Antarctica

Frozen lake in Antarctica with snowy mountain in background.
Photo courtesy of Atlas Obscura

Although the exact number is unknown, scientists estimate that Antarctica houses only a few hundred lakes, making it the continent with the fewest lakes in the world. However, this figure does not include the 379 subglacial lakes—bodies of water trapped under ice sheets—which have garnered recent research and attention. One of the most popular of these subglacial lakes is Lake Vostok, spotted in the 1960s by a Russian pilot. Around the same size as Lake Ontario, Vostok plunges 2,950 feet deep. Also, it potentially contains undiscovered life forms, piquing the interest of scientists all around the world. So even though Antarctica has more than 70% of the world’s freshwater, it ranks the lowest for the number of lakes since most of these are not in liquid form.

Regarding the rest of the continents—Asia, Australia, and South America—they all fall somewhere in the middle in terms of the number of lakes. We hope that you enjoyed learning about these global lake landscapes. And if all this makes you want to learn more about the lake lifestyle, check out all that Lake Homes Lifestyles has to offer!

Limnology 101

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of onlinedegree.com

You’ve heard of oceanography, the study of oceans. And marine biology, the study of marine life. But you may be less familiar with limnology, the study of lakes. Limnologists working in this important field help advance scientific research about lake ecosystems, making huge contributions to the environments we love so dearly. Today, we’re taking a broad look at the field as a whole.

What is Limnology?

Limnologists who work for the State Hygenic Lab collect samples in a creek near Dewitt, Iowa. The researchers are Todd Hubbard (brown hoodie), Mark Johnston (white beard tan hat), Kyle Skoff (red beard), and Mike Birmingham (green shirt).

In short, limnology is the study of lakes. It’s closely related to the field of oceanography, which together with limnology, comprises the study of all aquatic ecosystems. While lakes are often the primary focus of this discipline, that’s not all that’s covered. The field of limnology includes all inland waters, including lakes (both salt lakes and freshwater lakes), rivers, wetlands, reservoirs, streams, and groundwater. If the word sounds confusing, that’s because it originates from the Greek word limne, meaning marsh or pond. Although people have been investigating lakes since ancient history, the field as an organized discipline was founded in 1892 by F.A. Forel, a Swiss scientist. He aimed to create a discipline for aquatic science that integrated studies of different types of lakes.

Where Do Limnologists Work?

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

Limnologists work in both academia and applied work. In other words, some limnologists spend time conducting scientific experiments while others apply scientific knowledge to the “real world.”  In academia, limnologists engage in scholarly research including observational, comparative, and experimental studies. These scientists may also teach at colleges and universities, often near bodies of water. For instance, the University of California- Santa Barbara, ESF, and Western Michigan University are all water-proximal schools known for their limnology programs. In applied work, limnologists may lend their expertise to federal organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the National Park Service to help government bodies make scientifically informed policy decisions. They may also engage in consultation work in the private sector or at an environmental consulting firm. 

What Do Limnologists Study?

Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon University

Anything and everything about lakes! Limnologists investigate a wide variety of lake-related questions, and most limnologists have a specific specialty. For instance, they may study features of running water or key differences between lakes in various climates. Limnologists may also help answer questions like “How are lakes formed?” “How do lakes recover from coastal disasters?” and “What are the historical trends in ice coverage on lakes?” This type of research is normally conducted at academic institutions, often within an environmental science department, by limnologists with master’s or doctoral degrees. For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Limnology and the University of Minnesota’s Limnological Research Center actively engage in scholarly research on these topics.

Why is Limnology Important?

Photo courtesy of Certified Wildlife Habitat

The field of limnology is integral to the well-being of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and other non-oceanic ecosystems. Without this increasing body of knowledge about lakes, we would know far less about how to take care of our lakes. Specifically, limnology plays a major role in wildlife habitat protection, water use and distribution, water pollution control, and many other facets of lake sustainability. As lake lovers, we have a lot to learn from these scientists about the maintenance and care of these beautiful bodies of water. For more information about this important field, check out the International Society of Limnology and ALSO (Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography). And as always, we hope you continue to appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty of your lake area!

The Science Behind Lake Stratification

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Sophia Ayame on Unsplash

As lake homeowners, we’ve all gone swimming in the lake during the summer. But when you’re wading upright in the water, have you noticed that your feet are colder than your torso? This is because of lake stratification. Its significance is more than simply temperature changes — it also affects the freshwater environment around us. If you’re curious to learn more about this phenomenon, check out the interesting science behind lake stratification.

What is Lake Stratification?

Image courtesy of Dickinson County Conservation Board
Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho

In short, lake stratification occurs when lakes form three distinct thermal layers. These stratified layers each have a different temperature, the top layer being the warmest and the bottom layer being the coldest. This happens because changes in temperature, during warm and cold months, cause changes in the water’s density. When liquid cools, molecules move closer together and become denser. This is why most substances become heavier when frozen. However, the exception to this rule is solid water which paradoxically, is less dense than liquid water due to its unique chemical structure. (This is why ice cubes float in a glass of water). But when it comes to liquids (such as lakes), the colder the water, the denser. As demonstrated by water and oil, most liquids with different densities don’t mix well. The same phenomenon applies to lakes. Because denser materials are heavier, the cooler, denser water sinks to the bottom while the warmer, less dense water remains on top. This results in lake stratification.

What are the Three Layers?

Image courtesy of IISD

When lake stratification occurs, it creates three layers with distinct temperatures. The epilimnion is the topmost layer. Because it’s exposed to the sun and mixed with wind and waves, it’s the hottest and least dense layer. The thermocline (or metalimnion) is the middle layer which changes depth throughout the day. Its main purpose is to provide a thermal barrier between the first and third layers. Finally, the hypolimnion is the deepest and coldest layer that extends to the lake floor. 

Specific temperatures of these three layers depend on the lake’s climate. For example, on Lake Erie, the epilimnion is around 22 degrees Celsius while the thermocline is 10 degrees, and the hypolimnion is 4 degrees.  If your lake home is in a warmer climate, these numbers could be higher.

When Does Lake Stratification Occur?

Image courtesy of Britannica

Lake stratification doesn’t occur year-round. In fact, the most intense stratification happens between late spring and early fall. The hot summer heat causes the epilimnion’s temperature to increase and create these three layers. 

The extent to which lakes stratify during the summer depends on the size of the lake. Large, deep lakes will certainly stratify each summer, while smaller, shallow lakes may be too windblown to form distinct thermal layers. 

During winter, lakes de-stratify and the temperature is uniform. This is called isothermal water and it allows lake turnover to occur in the fall and spring.

Why Does it Matter?

Image courtesy of Bill Dance Outdoors

When lake stratification occurs, the hypolimnion is too dark and dense to allow oxygen flow. This is because its low depths are divorced from the wind and sun that the epilimnion layer receives. Since aquatic plants require oxygen, these plants don’t thrive during the summer. They also don’t thrive during the winter when a frozen top layer depletes the water from oxygen as well. 

However, in the spring and fall when lake turnover occurs, water and wind mix evenly through the waters. This replenishes oxygen levels throughout the lake, which is vital for aquatic organisms. Every other season, lake turnover is necessary to keep oxygen in the water and maintain balance for lake organisms’ survival. 

For more clarity on the concept of lake stratification, check out this demonstration from Dr. Stan Gregory, professor of fisheries and wildlife science at Oregon State University. Soon, you’ll be able to share these fun facts with your lake house guests!

Lake Topography by Region

Posted on Camille Smith
Image courtesy of nationsonline.org

As a lake homeowner, you’re probably familiar with the concept of topography. It refers to the study of land surfaces, which encompasses various features such as mountains, hills, valleys, and bodies of water. When looking at lake areas, one common element of their topography is the presence of water. But beyond the existence of a lake, some lake areas share similar topography. Across the U.S., there are common types of topography in each section of the country. Today, we’re diving into some of the characteristics of lake topography by region!

The West

Photo by Garrett Morrow via Pexels

When imagining the western part of the United States, the most salient topographical feature that comes to mind is probably a mountain. This is because the Rocky Mountains, America’s largest mountain chain, stretches across this region. The states of Washington, Oregon, and California are home to many of the earth’s youngest mountains. In particular, the Cascade mountain range is only about a million years old. In some of our most popular lake areas in the west, you’ll notice that mountain features are common. For instance, Washington’s Lake Chelan is surrounded by the Chelan Mountains, and Oregon’s Crater Lake is on Mount Mazama, an inactive volcanic mountain.

The Great Plains

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Also known as the “breadbasket” of North America, the Great Plains region refers to the middle of the continent. Think: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and other surrounding states. This region’s topography is characterized by fertile soil, which formed during the most recent ice age. The result is a series of states full of native grassland prairies. So, when it comes to lakes in the Great Plains region, expect to find vast stretches of land for miles. For instance, popular lakes such as Oklahoma’s Lake Lawtonka, the oldest man-made lake in the state, are surrounded by a desert-like landscape.

Central Lowlands

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Similar to the Great Plains region, the Central Lowlands were also impacted by the last ice age. This region covers northern states in the mid-U.S., such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Because the melting ice sheets from this glacial period flattened the existing topography of this region, much of the Central Lowlands is flat with rolling hills. The most impressive result of this “glacial scouring” is the Great Lakes. Extending more than 1300 feet below sea level, Lake Superior and others are an impressive outcome of this piece of geographic history.

Atlantic Coast

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Alongside the coast of the Eastern U.S., the states that border the Atlantic Ocean share similar ecosystems and in turn, similar topographies. One defining feature of this region’s topography is the Appalachian Mountain Range. This massive range extends 2,000 miles from Canada to central Alabama. Additionally, the climate of this eastern region is characterized by wetlands and marshes. These moist land features lend themselves to a lush topography full of natural lakes and vibrant greenery. For instance, North Carolina’s Lake Rhodhiss, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for its gorgeous natural shoreline surrounded by miles of trees. Down in Florida, Lake Eloise and other parts of the Lakeland/Winter Haven area are extremely moist, with several citrus groves. 

In every region of the country, there’s something to celebrate about the unique topographies of our lakes!

Bodies of Water 101

Posted on Camille Smith
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If you’re a lake homeowner, chances are, you know more than the average person about lakes. Maybe you’re familiar with lake science topics like stratification. Or perhaps you’re an expert angler who’s memorized a list of freshwater fish and their habitats. But when you’re entrenched in all the high-level facts about lakes, it can be easy to forget the basics. For example, do you know what makes a lake — well — a lake? Today, we’re taking a deep dive (no pun intended) into the definitions of these major bodies of water on Earth. By understanding how lakes fit into the world’s water systems, we can appreciate our own lakes even more!

Ocean

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Let’s start with the largest. Consisting of salt water, oceans make up 70% of the world’s surface, and they hold about 96.5% of the earth’s water. Many people don’t know that there’s actually just one big “world ocean.” However, we’ve designated five specific oceans for convenience — from largest to smallest, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern/Antarctic, and Arctic. Besides their massive size, the intrigue of oceans also derives from their depth. In fact, oceans are divided into three zones based on certain depth levels. The highest photic zone receives sunlight, the middle aphotic zone is darker, and the benthic zone refers to the pitch dark ocean floor. At each stage, some of the most diverse forms of earth’s life inhabits these ocean waters. Since much of the world’s oceans are still unexplored, a number of fascinating species are still a mystery to us!

Sea

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Of the earth’s bodies of water, seas are most similar to oceans. Like oceans, seas are also large bodies of saltwater. In fact, many consider seas to be a component of oceans (e.g., the Mediterranean Sea is a subpart of the Atlantic Ocean). This is not to be confused with The Sea, which colloquially, refers to a nonspecific ocean. However, the differentiating factor between seas and oceans is that seas are entirely or partially surrounded by land. Some examples include the Norwegian Sea, the Bering Sea, and the Caspian Sea (significant controversy still exists over the latter).

Lake

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Onto our favorite body of water! Always landlocked, lakes are smaller bodies of water that are completely surrounded by land, not counting the river which feeds or drains it. Unlike oceans, lakes are typically freshwater. However, a handful of salt lakes across the world contain a much higher saline quality than any oceans. Although few would confuse a lake with an ocean, many people do get confused when it comes to the difference between lakes and ponds. Although there is no agreed-upon criteria for this, people usually differ by size, arguing that lakes are bigger than five acres in surface area. Lakes also form differently than ponds, as they develop from retreating glaciers or movement of tectonic plates. Instead, ponds are often manmade, and they may include aesthetic purposes such as a coy pond.

River

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Smaller than a lake, a river is a natural stream of fresh water that has a current and moves toward another body of water such as an ocean or lake. The origin of a river is called the “source.” Since rivers flow downhill, the source is usually high on a mountain or underground spring which facilitates the flow of gravity. The river’s journey ends when it meets another body of water. They convene at a location called the “wetlands”, which forms unique ecosystems full of various aquatic plants. Across the world, the world’s longest river is the Nile at over 4,000 miles while the world’s biggest river is the Amazon in South America. 

So there you have it! Here, we’re just focused on the major bodies of water, but this list is by no means comprehensive. There are still canals, fjords, subglacial lakes, and more. While you’re learning, we hope you enjoy your own lake outside your back door!