Limnology of Pit Lakes

Abstract

Pit lakes can be very different from natural lakes and lakes created by damming up a stream or river, and pit lakes that are acidic are the most different. Acidic pit lakes often have unique density gradients due to high levels of dissolved solids, unusual optical characteristics, and unusual water circulation patterns. This chapter summarises the physical, chemical, biological, and ecological aspects of acidic pit lakes by reporting on the results of research from around the world. In addition, the basics of modelling pit lakes are presented.