During which seasons does stratification of a lake typically occur?

Stratification in lakes typically occurs during the summer and winter seasons due to the differences in temperature and density of water layers.

In the summer, warm water at the surface, also referred to as the epilimnion, is less dense than the cooler water below, leading to the formation of distinct layers. This thermal stratification can inhibit mixing, allowing for varying temperature, oxygen levels, and other properties in each layer, which can significantly impact aquatic life.

During winter, as temperatures drop, the surface water cools and reaches a point where it becomes denser than the warmer water below. Ice may form on the surface, but underneath, the water can still exhibit stratification. Eventually, as surface water becomes denser and sinks, the lake may overturn, mixing layers again.

Understanding these seasonal changes is crucial for managing aquatic ecosystems, addressing water quality, and responding to challenges such as algae blooms and oxygen depletion. Hence, summer and winter are the seasons that primarily exhibit stratification in lake environments.