Question

Differentiate between the following:

Epilimnion and Hypolimnion

Answer 1

Epilimnion	Hypolimnion
1. Epilimnion is the uppermost layer of water in a thermally stratified lake.	1. Hypolimnion is the bottom layer of water in a thermally stratified lake.
2. It consists of relatively warm water	2. It consists of relatively cold water
3. It receives sufficient sunlight and supports photosynthesis.	3. It receives little or no sunlight, so photosynthesis is limited or absent.
4. It is generally well-oxygenated due to contact with the atmosphere and photosynthesis.	4. It may have low dissolved oxygen due to decomposition of organic matter.
5. It is usually well-mixed by wind and water movements.	5. It remains relatively undisturbed during thermal stratification.