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MADISON, Wis Research out of the University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology has found that periods of low oxygen levels in subsurface waters are getting longer.
What You Need To Know
Dead Zones are sections of lakes with low oxygen levels
They happen naturally in the summer from higher air temperatures
UW research shows they are lasting longer
Dead zones reduce habitat for ecosystems, though researchers don t know the impact longer dead zones will have
The phenomenon, sometimes referred to as a dead zone, happens naturally in the summer when hot air warms up surface water and keeps it from cycling down to lower levels. Then things like algae fall to the bottom of the lake, decompose and in the process take up oxygen.
UW study: Climate change linked to longer dead zones in lakes | 97 Seven Country WGLR - The Tri-States Best Variety of Country
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Climate change prolonging dead zones in Lake Mendota
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Hydrology and Earth System Sciences is linking climate change to yet another environmental impact – longer lasting “dead zones” In lakes.
According to the study, warm summer weather is the main driver behind longer periods of anoxia, or oxygen-starved water, in Lake Mendota.
Each summer, many lakes settle into a condition called “stratification” – where two layers of water form, warmer, less dense water closer to the surface and colder, denser water down below. The layers remain separate throughout the summer and wind and waves only mix new oxygen into the upper layer. Meanwhile, the lower layer of water eventually runs out of oxygen as algae and other aquatic organisms die off and fall to the bottom and begin to decompose.