Effect of low water level on the water quality of the littoral zone in Lake Kinneret

S. Gafny*, A. Gasith

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Water quality in the shallow littoral of Lake Kinneret was examined during a period of low water levels in 1989-1990. On calm days, no significant difference was found between the water quality on different sites around the lake or between the littoral and the open water. Lowering of the lake level in Lake Kinneret is associated with a major change in the nature of the bottom of the littoral zone in many sites, from rocky substrate in high lake levels (>212 m below sea level) to sandy or clay in lower levels. During north-easterly storms, in winter, the concentrations of suspended solids and total phosphorus were markedly higher in leeward littoral sites compared to other regions of the littoral zone. This may be attributed to resuspension of sediments by the wave action over the soft bottom. In rainy winters, runoff, mainly Jordan River input, may locally affect the water quality and result in a north-south gradient.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)363-371
Number of pages9
JournalWater Science and Technology
Volume27
Issue number7-8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993
EventProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Environmental Quality and Ecosystem Stability - Jerusalem, Isr
Duration: 1 Jun 19921 Jun 1992

Keywords

  • Lake Kinneret
  • Littoral
  • Water level
  • Water quality

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