Lakes in Hot Water: The Impacts of a Changing Climate on Aquatic Ecosystems. (18th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Woolway, R Iestyn; Sharma, Sapna; Smol, John P
• Is Part Of: BioScience. Volume 72:Number 11(2022)
• Page Start: 1050
• Page End: 1061
• Publication Date: 2022-07-18
• Subjects: limnology -- ecology -- climate change -- environmental science -- water resources; Life sciences -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- United States -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology industries -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biac052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3568

Abstract

Abstract: Our planet is being subjected to unprecedented climate change, with far-reaching social and ecological repercussions. Below the waterline, aquatic ecosystems are being affected by multiple climate-related and anthropogenic stressors, the combined effects of which are poorly understood and rarely appreciated at the global stage. A striking consequence of climate change on aquatic ecosystems is that many are experiencing shorter periods of ice cover, as well as earlier and longer summer stratified seasons, which often result in a cascade of ecological and environmental consequences, such as warmer summer water temperatures, alterations in lake mixing and water levels, declines in dissolved oxygen, increased likelihood of cyanobacterial algal blooms, and the loss of habitat for native cold-water fisheries. The repercussions of a changing climate include impacts on freshwater supplies, water quality, biodiversity, and the ecosystem benefits that they provide to society.