International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

The physics of the warming of Lake Tanganyika by climate change

08 May 2012 | by lta.iwlearn.org
Climate warming over the 20th century has increased the density stratification and stability of Lake Tanganyika, a deep rift valley lake. While lakes in general will increase heat outputs in a warming climate, heat outputs will increase more slowly in deeper lakes than in shallower lakes.

Lake Tanganyika MapClimate warming over the 20th century has increased the density stratification and stability of Lake Tanganyika, a deep rift valley lake. Here we examine the physical processes involved in and affected by the warming of the lake, and we discuss effects on lake productivity.