A phenomenological approach shows a high coherence of warming patterns in dimictic aquatic systems across latitude

Wagner A, Hülsmann S, Paul L, Paul RJ, Petzoldt T, Sachse R, Schiller T, Zeis B, Benndorf J, Berendonk TU

Forschungsartikel (Zeitschrift) | Peer reviewed

Zusammenfassung

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 (2.2days 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.

Details zur Publikation

FachzeitschriftMarine Biology
Jahrgang / Bandnr. / Volume159
Ausgabe / Heftnr. / Issue11
Seitenbereich2543-2559
StatusVeröffentlicht
Veröffentlichungsjahr2012 (31.12.2012)
Sprache, in der die Publikation verfasst istEnglisch
DOI10.1007/s00227-012-1934-5
Link zum Volltexthttp://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?partnerID=yv4JPVwI&eid=2-s2.0-84868483929&md5=e4c426019a093348f9ed34b31380f9a9
StichwörterMarine & Freshwater Sciences; Microbiology; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Oceanography; Zoology

Autor*innen der Universität Münster

Paul, Rüdiger J.
Professur für Zoophysiologie (Prof. Zeis)
Zeis, Bettina
Professur für Zoophysiologie (Prof. Zeis)