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Sedimentation in Lake Biel, an eutrophic, hard-water lake in northwestern Switzerland

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Abstract

A 2-year study of sedimentation in Lake Biel reveals that three major factors can account for the spatial and temporal patterns of tripton sedimentation. Allochthonous inputs of particulate matter mostly derived from the Aare river during spring snowmelt and other high-water periods, provide about 50% of the carbonate and 50% of the siliceous matter collected in sediment traps. Phytoplankton activity in this eutrophic, hard-water lake accounts for the rest of the carbonate and siliceous matter, the latter being mostly diatom frustules. Sedimentation rates are thus highest during periods of maximum river flooding, maximum phytoplankton activity and following the breakdown of the thermocline, at which time trapped particles settle out. Resuspension of sediment is important in at least one basin. Resolution of carbonate appears to be minor.

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Author notes

  1. Albert Matter

    Present address: Department of Goelogy, University of Bern, Sahlistrasse 6, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland

  2. Marc Schweingruber

    Present address: Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  3. Ulrich Siegenthaler

    Present address: Department of Physics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

  4. Richard F. Wright

    Present address: Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Blindern, P.O. Box 333, Oslo 3, Norway

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Goelogy, University of Bern, Sahlistrasse 6, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland

    Richard F. Wright

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  1. Richard F. Wright
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  2. Albert Matter
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  3. Marc Schweingruber
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  4. Ulrich Siegenthaler
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Wright, R.F., Matter, A., Schweingruber, M. et al. Sedimentation in Lake Biel, an eutrophic, hard-water lake in northwestern Switzerland. Schweiz. Z. Hydrologie 42, 101–126 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02502430

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02502430

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