How does temperature change with depth in a lake?

When the upper water layers warm in the summer months, they become separated from deep water by a transition zone known as a thermocline. In a thermocline, the temperature decreases rapidly with small increases in depth. This phenomenon linking temperature change with depth is called temperature stratification.



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In summer, the top of the lake becomes warmer than the lower layers. You've probably noticed this when swimming in a lake in summer - your shoulders feel like they're in a warm bath while your feet are chilled. Since warm water is less dense that colder water, it stays on top of the lake surface.

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In summer, the top of the lake becomes warmer than the lower layers. You've probably noticed this when swimming in a lake in summer - your shoulders feel like they're in a warm bath while your feet are chilled. Since warm water is less dense that colder water, it stays on top of the lake surface.

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Most lakes and ponds don't completely freeze because the ice (and eventually snow) on the surface acts to insulate the water below. Our winters aren't long or cold enough to completely freeze most local water bodies. This process of lakes turning over is crtically important to the life in the lake.

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Lakes have layers Water temperatures also play a role in water density. Warm water is less dense meaning it is lighter and stays toward the top of the lake. The colder, heavier water is found at the bottom.

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