Which of the following is a characteristic of lakes that impacts stratification?

Lakes experience stratification primarily due to differences in temperature throughout the water column. As surface water is warmed by sunlight, it becomes less dense than the colder water below. This creates distinct layers, or strata, in the lake. The warmer, less dense water sits on top, while the colder, denser water remains at the bottom. This temperature gradient can significantly affect the mixing of water in the lake, the distribution of oxygen, and the overall biological productivity of the ecosystem.

The presence of temperature differences drives the formation of thermoclines, which are layers in the water column where the temperature changes rapidly with depth. During stratification, nutrients and gases can become trapped in the lower layers, impacting the aquatic life and chemical processes occurring within the lake. Understanding this characteristic is essential for addressing ecological changes and management in freshwater systems.