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Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of Ross Lake, Snohomish County, Washington

Water-Resources Investigations Report 78-44
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Abstract

A study of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of Ross Lake in 1975 showed that the lake has no well-defined surface-water inflow and that thermal stratification is well established in summer. The water is of a calcium bicarbonate type, which is typical of lakes in western Washington.

Biological productivity in the lake was low, as indicated by low to moderate chlorophyll a concentrations, by the general lack of submersed plants on the lake bottom, and by the moderate dissolved-oxygen depletion in the deeper zones during thermal stratification. The productivity probably was limited by the amount of phosphorus available. Increased productivity and the resulting growth of nuisance plants can be avoided by limiting phosphate inputs to the lake to their present or lesser rates.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of Ross Lake, Snohomish County, Washington
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 78-44
DOI 10.3133/wri7844
Year Published 1979
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iv, 15 p.
Country United States
State Washington
County Snohomish County
Other Geospatial Ross Lake
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