Lake ecosystems could be uninhabitable to their key species within a century

Lakes in lower latitudes, which do not freeze over, are most at risk from surface overheating according to a new study published in Nature Geoscience today.

Lakes in lower latitudes, which do not freeze over, are most at risk from surface overheating according to a new study published in Nature Geoscience today.

Climate change may lead to previously unseen lake temperatures. This, in turn, could lead to conditions beyond which key aquatic species can survive, and could happen within the current century.

Our modelling study, focussing on thousands of lakes globally, suggest that we could be entering ‘uncharted territory’ in terms of the temperatures experienced in lakes, as soon as the end of this century.

The results lead us to expect unparalleled records with no modern counterparts, which are bound to affect the very viability of these ecosystems.

Dr Iestyn Woolway

Credit:Bangor University

These conditions could occur as soon as our climate warms by 2.4° C above pre-industrial levels in these lower latitudes and at a 4°C increase in higher latitudes.

Projecting when this will occur is key to any actions we may be able to take to protect these valued ecosystems.

Emergence of lake conditions that exceed natural temperature variability