Water column profiles and instrument chains provide complementary understanding of stratification in pit lakes
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Mark Lund: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2047-3476
Melanie Blanchette: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2138-2864
Rachele Bernasconi: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7973-8803
Abstract
In pit lakes, stratification is normally investigated using ‘spot’ water column profiles, whereas continuous monitoring of stratification using instrument chains (ICs) is uncommon. This research evaluated the benefits of using ICs in conjunction with spot profiles.
We collected temperature and conductivity profiles through spot measurements and ICs from 3 pit lakes in 2019-2021 from the major Australian coalfields in New South Wales and Queensland.
ICs revealed temporary mixing and rain-driven turnover in the lakes that were missed with spot profiles. However, ICs required regular maintenance, instrument failures limited the data, and sensor fouling was problematic. Combining water column profiles and IC data improved insights into the limnology of these lakes.
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Date of Publication
2023
Publication Title
International Mine Water Association
Publisher
International Mine Water Association
School
Mine Water and Environment Research Centre / School of Science
RAS ID
62406
Copyright
free_to_read
First Page
320
Last Page
325
Comments
Lund, M., Blanchette, ML., Bernasconi, R. (2023). Water column profiles and instrument chains provide complementary understanding of stratification in pit lakes. International Mine Water Association (320-325). International Mine Water Association.