The pattern of particle flux variability in Swedish and Swiss lakes

Particle settling flux in the upper and lower water column, measured with cylindrical sediment traps in 11 Swedish and nine Swiss lakes showed high temporal and spatial variability within and among lakes, ranging from 0.1 to 385 g m(-2) day(-1). Such high variability reflects the large differences in lake morphology and trophic state. However, despite these differences, the particle flux variability followed a consistent pattern resulting in a significant relationship between minimum, mean and maximum particle flux. The mean particle flux is significantly related to the dynamic ratio (square root of area divided by mean depth) of the lake, provided that the lake is shallow (mean lake depth < or = 9 m), its dynamic ratio is > or = 0.15 and allochthonous particulate matter input is < or = 10%. In such lakes, typically found in Sweden, the described relationships may be used to predict the variability of particle settling flux without developing complicated models.