A phenomenological approach shows a high coherence of warming patterns in dimictic aquatic systems across latitude
Wagner, A.; Hülsmann, S.; Paul, L.; Paul, R.J.; Petzoldt, T.; Sachse, R.; Schiller, T.; Zeis, B.; Benndorf, J.; Berendonk, T.U. (2012). A phenomenological approach shows a high coherence of warming patterns in dimictic aquatic systems across latitude. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 159(11): 2543-2559. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-012-1934-5
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
| |
Authors | | Top |
- Wagner, A.
- Hülsmann, S.
- Paul, L.
- Paul, R.J.
|
- Petzoldt, T.
- Sachse, R.
- Schiller, T.
|
- Zeis, B.
- Benndorf, J.
- Berendonk, T.U.
|
Abstract |
To predict the coherence in local responses to large-scale climatic forcing among aquatic systems, we developed a generalized approach to compare long-term data of dimictic water bodies based on phenomenologically defined hydrographic events. These climate-sensitive phases (inverse stratification, spring overturn, early thermal stratification, summer stagnation) were classified in a dual code (cold/warm) based on threshold temperatures. Accounting for a latitudinal gradient in seasonal timing of phases derived from gradients in cumulative irradiation (2.2 days per degree latitude), we found a high spatial and temporal coherence in warm–cold patterns for six lakes (84 %) and the Baltic Sea (78 %), even when using the same thresholds for all sites. Similarity to CW-codes for the North Sea still was up to 72 %. The approach allows prediction of phase-specific warming trends and resulting instantaneous or time-delayed ecological responses. Exemplarily, we show that warming during early thermal stratification controls food-web-mediated effects on key species during summer. |
|