WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR THERMAL STRATIFICATION IN SHALLOW FRESHWATER BODIES?

The results of a literature review on the criteria for temperature stratification in water bodies are presented, aiming to find threshold values for small freshwater bodies, for which clear criteria and threshold values have not yet been established. Literature data on threshold values based on temperature gradients, density, and buoyancy frequency were analyzed. It was concluded that buoyancy frequency is the most adequate indicator of the onset of stratification. Based on threshold values of buoyancy frequency in water bodies of various scales, an allometric function linking the depth of the water body and buoyancy frequency was proposed.