Epilimnion is the top-most layer in a thermally stratified lake, occurring above the deeper hypolimnion. It is warmer and typically has a higher pH and dissolved oxygen concentration than the hypolimnion. Being exposed at the surface, it typically becomes turbulently mixed as a result of surface wind-mixing. It is also free to exchange dissolved gases (ie O2 and CO2) with the atmosphere.

See also: Lake stratification

External links

• http://wow.nrri.umn.edu/wow/teacher/thermal/teaching.html