Thermal stratification of Lake Namco

Climate changes, in particular warming air temperature and decreasing near-surface wind speed, have been shown to influence lake thermal stratification. Few studies have focused on the effects of climate changes on the thermal stratification of high-altitude lakes characterized by low air temperature and high solar forcing. We used a model to understand the long-term changes of summer stratification in Lake Namco (Tibet), one of the world’s highest large lakes. The depth and strength of the thermocline have changed significantly at rates of 2.2 m per decade and 0.00011 s^-1, respectively. Warmer air temperatures resulted in earlier onset of stratification which advanced to spring. Atmospheric stilling in spring is the dominant factor associated with the shoaling and steepening trend.