International Collaboration Addresses Climate Impact on Lake Tahoe
Thanks to a partnership between U.S. and Italian researchers, Lake Tahoe is preparing for significant environmental changes expected by the end of the 21st century. Changes in climate, precipitation, and wind patterns suggest that Lake Tahoe will cease to undergo the natural mixing process between 2070 and 2100.
Importance of Lake Mixing
Mixing in lakes redistributes oxygen and nutrients throughout the water column, which is essential for lake health. Without this natural circulation, new challenges arise in lake management and ecosystem stability.
Lessons from Italian Lakes
Italian lakes such as Maggiore and Iseo have already experienced this stagnation since around 2006. Milder winters prevented surface water from cooling sufficiently to mix with bottom water, halting their natural turnover. Researchers Barbara Leoni and Veronica Nava have closely studied these lakes, which share similar structures with Lake Tahoe.
“We’re trying to get ahead of this issue that will arise as the climate changes so managers can create progressive policies which manage for a new lake future,” explained Sudeep Chandra, PhD, a professor and limnologist at the University of Nevada, Reno.
This ongoing collaboration allows scientists to draw on a generation of research and lessons from the Italian lakes to guide future management strategies for Tahoe before it stops mixing.
Summary
Studying Italian lakes that stopped mixing decades ago offers valuable insights for Lake Tahoe’s future, enabling proactive management as climate change alters its ecosystem balance.