We simulated an experimental summer storm in large-volume (~1200 m3, ~16m depth) enclosures in Lake Stechlin by mixing deeper water masses from the meta- and hypolimnion into the mixed layer (epilimnion). The mixing included the disturbance of a deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) which was present at the same time of the experiment in Lake Stechlin and situated in the metalimnion of each enclosure during filling. Water physical variables and water chemistry was monitored for 42 days after the experimental disturbance event. Mixing disrupted the thermal stratification, increasing concentrations of dissolved nutrients and CO2 and changing light conditions in the epilimnion. Mixing, thus, stimulated phytoplankton growth, resulting in higher particulate matter concentrations of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous.

Further Principal Investigators:CaCO3: Gessner, MarkParticulate Inorganic Carbon: Gessner, MarkTotal Phosphorus: Gessner, MarkSoluble Reactive Phosphorus: Gessner, MarkTotal Nitrogen: Gessner, MarkNitrate: Gessner, MarkNitite: Gessner, MarkAmmonium: Gessner, MarkTotal Dissolved Nitrogen: Gessner, MarkDissolved Silicate: Gessner, MarkDissolved Organic Carbon: Gessner, MarkSodium: Casper, PeterPotassium: Casper, PeterMagnesium: Casper, PeterCalcium: Casper, PeterChloride: Casper, PeterSulfate: Casper, PeterBarometric pressure from LakeESP buoy: Gessner, MarkFurther Project information:Core Facility grant; Award: GE 1775/2-1