Ectogenic Meromixis at Layton's Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada

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Abstract
Prior to 1960, Layton's Lake, N.S., received periodic intrusion of seawater from the Bay of Fundy and now exhibits ectogenic meromixis. The chemocline is situated at a depth of 8.0 to 8.5 meters and is approximately 1 meter thick. This region has a strong specific conductance gradient with values increasing by a factor of 20 over a distance of 1 meter. Tracing conductance isopleths over time suggests that the chemocline is being eroded at a rate of less than 1 cm per annum. Meromictic stabilities are low (⋍ 100 g-cm/cm2), however factors such as morphometric protection, summer thermal stratification and winter ice cover are probably important in maintaining meromixis. The monimolimnion has high specific conductance (26,000 umho/cm) and appears to be acting as a nutrient trap. Monimolimnetic phosphorus concentrations are as high as 26,000 mg P/m3 with more than 85% in the soluble reactive form.

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