Advanced Approach for Synoptic Monitoring of a Lake Ecosystem: Lake Kinneret as a Model

Abstract

Implementation of an underwater towed undulating monitoring system (U-TUMS) for advanced synoptic monitoring of a lake ecosystem is demonstrated for Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). This approach facilitates fast monitoring of relatively large and spatially heterogeneous waterbodies. Spatial distribution of several parameters (temperature, turbidity and salinity) was revealed in Lake Kinneret by the U-TUMS. The collected data were shown to be a useful tool in defining the processes responsible for the observed distribution patterns, suggesting the occurrence of internal seiching which, in turn, seemed to be the driving force for lake internal nutrient supply to surface water layers during the stratified period. Additionally, three-dimensional monitoring of salinity was demonstrated as a powerful tool for identification of salinity patches in Lake Kinneret for localization of both underwater salt springs and unfocused saline seepages.