Application of a stratification model to Adirondack lakes

A mixed-layer thermal stratification model, UFILS1, was developed, calibrated, and verified for four Adirondack lakes. Calibration/verification was successful for the two lakes of sufficient depth turbidity whereas, for two shallow lakes, predicted hypolimnetic temperatures routinely exceeded measured temperatures. Recalibration of UFILS1 including a sediment heat flux component improved model performance for the shallow, transparent lakes but yielded little change in model performance for the shallow, transparent lakes but yielded little change in model performance for the two deeper lakes. UFILS2 was used to demonstrate that the strengthening of stratification in the two limed lakes in the years following base addition was a result of increases in the light attenuation coefficient, k_d, rather than natural yearly meterological variations. Additional aspects of the subject are discussed.