Wind-related limnological variation in lake okeechobee, florida

Abstract

Lake Okeechobee, Florida, is large (1730 km2) and shallow (Zx= 2.7 m) with 44 percent of the bottom covered by flocculent, unconsolidated mud. Consequently, wind resuspension of sediments was an important determinant of limnological conditions between 1975 and 1988. Higher wind speeds occurred between October and May, and calmer conditions were prevalent during the summer months (June–September). Monthly averages of soluble reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, nitrate-nitrite, total nitrogen, silica, total suspended solids concentrations, and turbidity were positively correlated with average monthly wind speed (r = 0.66 to 0.90, P <0.05). Annual total wind speed was correlated with average annual total phosphorus (r = 0.78, P <0.01) and soluble reactive phosphorus (r = 0.67, P <0.05) concentrations. From 1950 to present, greater wind speed was also associated with higher lake stages. Wind speed, rainfall on the lake, tributary inflow, and lake levels appeared to be interrelated parameters on Lake Okeechobee. © 1990 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.