The impact of high temperatures on inland lakes: a focus on Paw Paw Lake

PAW PAW LAKE LOVE... member on Facebook shows this picture on Tuesday morning, asking for help from the Lake Community to identify this algae on the water. High temperatures altering the eco system is having affects on water quality.

Inland lakes are vital ecosystems that provide water for drinking, recreation, agriculture, and industry. They also support diverse biological communities and play a crucial role in regional climate regulation and nutrient cycling. However, with the global rise in temperatures due to climate change, inland lakes are increasingly vulnerable. High temperatures, like the ones the Tri-City Area has been experiencing, can alter lake ecosystems in significant ways—affecting water quality, biodiversity, and overall ecological balance. These hot temperatures have consequences on inland lakes, with a focus on the changes seen in Paw Paw Lake in Berrien County, Michigan.

Thermal stratification and oxygen depletion

One of the most immediate impacts of high temperatures on inland lakes is the intensification of thermal stratification. Stratification is the layering of water based on temperature, where warmer water remains at the surface and cooler, denser water settles at the bottom. When temperatures rise, this stratification becomes stronger and lasts longer throughout the year.

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