Factors Affecting Winter Respiration in Ontario Lakes

Winter oxygen consumption was measured in 16 Ontario lakes. Whole lake respiration ranged from 0.08 to 0.39 g O2 m−2 day−1 and was positively correlated with mean depth, phosphorus m−2 at spring overturn, and summer chlorophyll a m−2. Morphological variables plus Secchi depth were explained over 80% of the variability in respiration rates.