Research advance on the heterogeneity of lake surface water temperature

Abstract

[Objective] Lakes serve as indicators of climate change, with lake surface water temperature(LSWT) significantly influencing their physical-chemical processes and ecosystems. The spatial distribution characteristics of LSWT, referred to as lake temperature heterogeneity, are of great significance for understanding the spatial variability in lake responses to climate change. [Methods] The necessity of researching LSWT heterogeneity is first systematically elaborated. The data sources available for analyzing LSWT heterogeneity are then comprehensively reviewed. Furthermore, the mechanisms influencing LSWT heterogeneity are explored from three key dimensions: lake depth, climatic factors, and inflow rivers. Finally, an outlook on future research directions for LSWT heterogeneity is provided. [Results] Significant spatial variations in LSWT within lakes are identified, confirming the necessity of analyzing LSWT heterogeneity. Research on LSWT heterogeneity is currently conducted primarily through remote sensing data extraction and numerical modeling. Lake depth is found to regulate thermal stratification and heat capacity, leading to LSWT heterogeneity. The spatial variability of climatic factors above the lake is also demonstrated to significantly influence the distribution patterns of LSWT. Additionally, the temperature difference between inflow rivers and lake water is observed to cause localized anomalies of low or high temperatures, further intensifying LSWT heterogeneity. [Conclusion] Future research on LSWT heterogeneity is suggested to focus on quantifying the impact range of inflow rivers on LSWT and establishing quantitative relationships between influencing factors and LSWT heterogeneity. Through the analysis of LSWT heterogeneity characteristics, basin-scale hydrometeorological conditions can be inferred, providing scientific support for studying lake responses to regional climate change.

Keywords

lake surface water temperature / spatial heterogeneity / driving force / climate change / spatiotemporal distribution / hydrometeorology / global warming / numerical simulation