noun
- the bottom layer of water in a thermally stratified lake that lies below the thermocline and remains at a relatively constant cool temperature
Usage: limnology; technical
Examples
- The hypolimnion of the lake remained at 4°C throughout the summer.
- Oxygen levels in the hypolimnion decreased as organic matter decomposed.
- Fish avoided the hypolimnion due to its low oxygen content.
- Scientists measured temperature differences between the epilimnion and hypolimnion.
- The hypolimnion acts as a cold water reservoir beneath the warmer surface layers.
- During fall turnover, the hypolimnion mixes with upper water layers.