Simulated effects on hydrophysics and water quality in lakes due to climate changes

Abstract

The objective of the studies was to quantify effects on water quality in lakes due to a future climate change. This was done by using climatic scenarios for the climate of today and in the future as input to the water quality model CE-QUAL-W2 for three Norwegian lakes. The results of the simulations were focused on water temperature, ice cover, oxygen, nutrients and algae. A future warmer climate leads to: • Increase in water temperature especially at the surface • Periods with ice cover become shorter and less frequent • Prolonging of summer stagnation period and more frequent circulation during winter • Less oxygen during summer and more during winter • Prolonging of growth season leads to more cyanobacteria