Physical and chemical limnology of 59 lakes located between the southern Yukon and the Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, Northwest Territories (Canada)

• Published in: Canadian journal of fisheries and aquatic sciences 1997-02, Vol.54 (2), p.330-346
• Main Authors: PIENITZ, R, SMOL, J. P, LEAN, D. R. S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Fresh water ecosystems; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Lakes; Limnology; Marine ecology; Synecology
• ISSN: 0706-652X; 1205-7533
• DOI: 10.1139/f96-274

Water chemistry and other limnological data gathered for 59 lakes in the Yukon and the adjacent Northwest Territories (Canada) were interpreted using linear regression and principal components analysis. The study sites represent lakes from a wide range of ecoclimatic regions, spanning large latitudinal(60 degree 37'-- 69 degree 35'N) and altitudinal gradients (15-1387 m above sea level). Water samples collected from each lake were analysed for concentrations of major ions, trace metals, nutrients, and chlorophyll a. Most of the lakes were dilute and slightly acidic to alkaline. Their ionic composition varied from Ca-Cl-Na waters near the Arctic Ocean to Ca-HCO sub(3) waters further inland, reflecting differences in local drainage basins and proximity to the sea. Arctic and alpine sites generally showed many similarities, but considerable differences in water chemistry were observed among sites in the interior of the Yukon Territory. These can be related mainly to differences in bedrock geology and catchment vegetation.