Ardulake temperature profiler: an open-source, low-cost, automated monitoring system to unravel the mixing behavior of lakes. (published in HardwareX)

Understanding the thermal classification of lakes based on mixing regimes is fundamental in limnology. Although this classification has traditionally been considered well-established, recent studies highlight variations in the mixing behaviors of ponds and shallow lakes. This paper introduces the Ardulake temperature profiler, an innovative, simple, and autonomous high-frequency temperature monitoring system designed for shallow to moderately deep lakes (3.5 to 10 meters). Utilizing Arduino technology and GPRS telemetry, the system is cost-effective, with electronic components and sensors costing approximately USD 250 and buoy construction and deployment around USD 1000. The Ardulake enables real-time environmental temperature monitoring and data storage on an online platform for subsequent analysis and visualization. The collected data supports ecosystem research and the numerical modeling of thermal behavior in lakes. Key strengths of the system include low production and maintenance costs, replicability, and customization capabilities. Challenges, such as interference from animal activity, are addressed with recommended preventive measures tailored to specific fauna. Overall, the Ardulake temperature profiler offers a practical tool for advancing limnological research, with potential for modification to various environmental monitoring objectives.基于混合模式的湖泊热分类研究，是湖沼学（limnology）领域的基础性课题。尽管该分类体系长期以来被认为已臻成熟，但近期研究揭示了池塘与浅湖混合行为的差异性。本文介绍了Ardulake温度剖面仪（Ardulake temperature profiler），这是一款专为浅至中等深度（3.5至10米）湖泊设计的创新、简易且自主式高频温度监测系统。该系统采用Arduino技术与GPRS遥测技术，兼具出色的成本效益：电子元件与传感器的总成本约为250美元，浮标搭建与部署成本则约为1000美元。Ardulake温度剖面仪可实现实时环境温度监测，并将数据存储于在线平台，以供后续分析与可视化处理。所采集的数据可支撑湖泊生态系统研究与湖泊热行为数值模拟工作。该系统的核心优势包括低廉的生产与维护成本、可复制性以及定制化能力。针对动物活动干扰等挑战，本文提供了适配特定动物类群的预防性解决方案。总体而言，Ardulake温度剖面仪为湖沼学研究的推进提供了一款实用工具，且具备改造适配各类环境监测目标的潜力。