King Lakes are located in Spring Arbor Township north of King Road near the old King family homestead.
Typically lakes are in either the Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic, or Eutrophic stages of life (listed youngest to oldest).
Oligotrophic bodies of water are considered new or young ponds or lakes in the overall scheme of things. Oligotrophic bodies have a low concentration of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. They typically have steep sloping shorelines and are deep, clear lakes. The bottom of the pond or lake is typically sand, gravel, or rock. Since oligotrophic lakes have little nutrients in them, they do not produce an abundance of aquatic plants and algae; therefore, they do not need as much treatment for water quality problems.
Mesotrophic bodies of water are considered middle aged, geologically. Mesotrophic lakes fall in the middle, between oligotrophic and eutrophic lakes. They have more nutrients and, therefore, more plant and algae growth than oligotrophic lakes, but less than eutrophic. As a lake ages from oligotrophic to mesotrophic, the sides begin to slope less and the bottom and begins to fill in with organic material. The substrate that was once rock, sand, or gravel, now consists of mud on top of the rocks. Since Mesotrophic lakes have enough nutrients to produce plants and algae the aging process speeds up
Eutrophic bodies of water are considered old or dying lakes. Eutrophic lakes are extremely well nourished with nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to an abundance of aquatic plant growth. As the lake continues to age, the sides continue to flatten out and what were once steep sides is now gently sloping. The bottom of the lake is now filled with organic sediment and mud. The overall depth of the lake is continually decreasing and the clarity continues to decrease. As the lake fills in and the weeds grow larger, the total open water area shrinks as well. If left alone, the lake will eventually fill in completely, and become a swamp or wetland at best.
To get credit for this EarthCache e-mail the owner with the following answers. Do not post answers on cache page.
1) What stage of life does this lake appear to be in?
2) What do you see that would lead you to believe that?
3) Go to the waters edge and scoop up a handful off the bottom. What do you have in your hand, Rock, Sand, Muck, or something in between?
| I have earned GSA's highest level: |
 |
