Resources

Lake1Limnology is the study of freshwater and saline inland waters. It includes studying the physical, chemical and biological components of lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands, and estuaries. Oceanography differs because it is the study of the open ocean. Freshwater ecology differs because it is the study of just freshwater systems and does not include saline inland water.

Here are a few great resources to learn more about Minnesota Lakes!

Limnology Overview

Lake Ecology

Total Phosphorus

Chlorophyll a

Secchi Depth (Transparency)

Water Quality Parameter Relationships

Dissolved Oxygen

Lake Trophic States

Trophic State Index (TSI)

Lake Eutrophication

Lake Stratification and Mixing

Fish Distribution

Water Cycle

Water Quality

Lake Facts

Water Science School by USGS

 

Interactive Tools

Glossary

Understanding your Watershed- Interactive map

AIS Risk of Introduction-Interactive map

Aquatic Invasive Species

Educational Articles for Lake Associations

Minnesota Ecoregions

 

 

Aquatic Plants

Aquatic Plant Article

Aquatic Plants

 

 

 

Human Impacts and Ways to Help

Economic Value of Water

Shoreline Restoration

Lakeshore Restoration

Links

 

 

Additional Resources

MPCA

MN DNR

US EPA

USGS

North American Lake Management Society

Freshwater Society

MN Board of Soil and Water Resources

MN Environmental Quality Board

MN Soil and Water Cons. Districts

MN Watershed Districts

U of MN Extension

U of MN Water Resource Center

U of MN Soil, Water & Climate

Water Laws