THE DEVELOPMENT OF TEMPERATURE STRATIFICATION IN FRESHWATER WETLANDS

摘要

Temperature measurements were conducted in a small wetland to determine the extent of vertical and lateral stratification in vegetated and open water areas. Isolated thermistors were used on a long term basis to determine the seasonality of the temperature structure of the wetland. Distinct summer and winter patterns of vertical and lateral stratification were observed. During summer, lateral stratifications lasted over many days and were at times quite strong, up to 4°C between the open water and the wetland. During winter stratifications still occurred, however, these were generally only diurnal and were relatively weak. A temperature microprofiler was used to determine the temperature structure of the wetland in detail for a period of one week. Profiles obtained were not consistent with predictions from theoretic calculations. Differences between observed and theoretic profiles most likely arose due to horizontal convection.