Coupled physical and biogeochemical dynamics in shallow aquatic systems: Observations, theory and models

TL;DRAbstract

Shallow (<3m) water bodies are ubiquitous, receive considerable loads of carbon and nutrients and their internal processes can exert significant control on the downstream biogeochemical fluxes. These shallow systems are characterized by tight coupling between biogeochemical and physical dynamics. This work investigates these coupled dynamics through observation, theory and model results. Observations were made in Mirror Lake (mean depth=0.7m) at the University of Connecticut, using a novel system for high temporal and spatial resolution sampling with real-time data processing and display.^ Diurnal stratification/destratification dynamics affect biogeochemical cycles by controlling the rates of vertical transport and mixing. Geochemically significant daytime stratification can be predicted with a single parameter based on the product of water depth and the diffuse attenuation coefficient of visible light. Nighttime destratification is controlled by surface cooling, particularly under

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