Attenuation of photosynthetically active radiation and ultraviolet radiation in response to changing dissolved organic carbon in browning lakes: Modeling and parametrization

We present and evaluate an update to the process-based lake model MyLake that includes a time-varying linkage between light attenuation of both photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation wavelengths to changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In many parts of northeastern North America and Europe, DOC in lakes has rapidly increased, leading to reduced water transparency and increases in light attenuation. These changes alter the vertical light and heat distribution that affect vertical structuring of temperature and dissolved oxygen. We use this model update to test the responsiveness of PAR and UV attenuation to short-term fluctuations in DOC and with a test case of long-term browning at Lake Giles (Pennsylvania). Lake Giles has browned significantly since the late 1980s, and three decades of detailed empirical data have indicated more than a doubling of DOC concentrations, and consequent increases in PAR and UV attenuation, warming surface waters, cooling deep waters, and increasing deepwater oxygen depletion. We found that the model performance improved by 16% and 52% for long-term trends in PAR and UV attenuation, respectively, when these coefficients respond directly to in-lake DOC concentrations. Further, long-term trends in surface water warming, deepwater cooling, and deepwater oxygen depletion in Lake Giles were better captured by the model following this update, and were very rapid due to its high water transparency and low DOC. Hence, incorporating a responsive link between DOC and light attenuation in lake models is key to understanding long-term lake browning patterns, mechanisms, and ecological consequences.

Automated summary

The updated lake model MyLake demonstrates improved performance in capturing the relationship between light attenuation and DOC, particularly in long-term browning situations. It highlights the importance of incorporating a responsive link between DOC and light attenuation in lake models for understanding long-term lake patterns and ecological consequences.