Influence of large scale atmospheric systems on hydorology and ecology of Turkish lakes

• Main Author: Kerimoğlu, Onur
• Other Authors: Beklioğlu, Meryem, Department of Biology
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: Biology; North Atlantic; North Atlantic oscillation
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/11511/17512; http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12609272/index.pdf

Impacts of climatic changes on in-land waters of Turkey is a topic that has not been sufficiently investigated yet. In this study, some exploratory work have been performed to form the core of further studies on the subject. EOF (Empirical Orthogonal Function) analysis has been applied to SLP (Sea Level Pressure) field with a wide coverage (20-70N, 50W-70E). The dominant sources of variability in this atmospheric system have been shown to be driven by 3 circulation indices, NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation), EAWR (East Atlantic - West Russia) and EA (East Atlantic) patterns. Linkages between this atmospheric system and the hydro-meteorological properties (data compiled from governmental organizations) of major Turkish lake ecosystems has been investigated with use of ordinary correlation analysis and CCA (Canonical Correlation Analysis). The results revealed the heavy forcing of large scale SLP field on regional temperature and E--P (evaporation minus precipitation) fields. The 15-year data set of Lake Mogan, as the longest available found, was used to exemplify the approaches and methodologies that can be employed for understanding the influence of climate variability on biological properties of lakes. It was suggested that temperature and salinity, being effective on phytoplankton and zooplankton groups, mediate the climatic impacts in Lake Mogan. M.S. - Master of Science