Lake Stratification

What is thermal stratification in a lake?

• Separation of water into different layers based on salinity

• Formation of ice layers on the surface of the lake

• Movement of water in a circular pattern within the lake

• Layering of water with different temperatures

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which layer of a lake is characterized by warm surface water?

• hypolimnion

• thermocline

• benthic zone

• epilimnion

What is the middle layer of a lake called?

• thermocline

• hypolimnion

• euphotic zone

• epilimnion

Which layer of a lake is characterized by cold, dense water?

• metalimnion

• hypolimnion

• epilimnion

• thermocline

What causes thermal stratification in a lake?

• Water pollution

• Presence of aquatic plants

• Temperature difference between surface and deeper layers of water

• Evaporation of water from the surface

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is the uppermost layer of a lake called?

• hypolimnion

• epilimnion

• thermocline

• benthic zone

What is the transition layer between the epilimnion and hypolimnion called (Choose both correct answers)?

• thermocline

• halocline

• pycnocline

• metalimnion

What is the main factor that determines the depth of the metalimnion?

• salinity

• wind speed

• pH level

• temperature gradient

Using the diagram, which zone starts at about 200m deep, and receives little to no sunlight and photosynthesis cannot occur?

• Photic Zone

• Aphotic Zone

• Benthic Zone

• Intertidal Zone

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Algae are organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis. Which zone would you expect to find them living?

• Limnetic Zone

• Abyssal Zone

• Benthic Zone

• Photic Zone

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3