Rapid and highly variable warming of lake surface waters around the globe

What is it about?

In an exceptional community effort over 60 scientists analyzed trends in lake surface temperatures across the entire world, based on data – both in-situ and satellite – collected by the Global Lake Temperature Collaboration (GLTC, http://www.laketemperature.org ). A total of 235 lakes were monitored for at least 25 years. While that’s a fraction of the world’s lakes, they contain more than half the world’s freshwater supply. The study found lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.34 degrees Celsius each decade. That is greater than the current warming rate of either the oceans or the atmosphere, and it can have profound effects on lake ecosystems and associated effects on health. Oxygen levels will drop and algal blooms are projected to increase in lakes over the next century. An increase in harmful algal blooms would impact drinking water supply and recreational activities, increasing water treatment costs and effecting human and animal health on water contact.

Featured Image