Lakes are a fundamental component of terrestrial ecosystems. They not only serve as habitats for countless aquatic and terrestrial species but also play a key role in climate regulation and the supply of drinking water. Their influence extends to agriculture, ecological balance, and atmospheric humidity. However, recent studies have revealed a concerning transformation in their composition: the color of these bodies of water is changing, which could indicate a profound alteration in their ecological state.
A team of researchers has conducted a comprehensive analysis of the chromatic evolution of more than 67,000 lakes worldwide from 1984 to the present. The study, published in the scientific journal Water Resources Research, was based on the analysis of 32 million satellite images to assess changes in water coloration and their relationship with climatic and human factors. The results were striking: only 14% of the lakes analyzed have maintained a stable color over time, while an alarming 60% have undergone significant modifications.
Water color is not merely an aesthetic matter; it is a direct reflection of the physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring within it. Bluish tones generally indicate greater water clarity and lower concentrations of dissolved organic matter, while greenish or brown colors may be associated with high concentrations of algae, sediments, and pollutants. According to Zheng Duan, a researcher in physical geography at Lund University and one of the study’s authors, there is a direct correlation between color changes and the impact of climate change, as well as human activity.
The study revealed notable differences in the chromatic evolution of lakes depending on their geographical location. In northern latitudes, such as North America and northern Europe, lakes have shown a more pronounced change in coloration compared to those located near the equator or in the Southern Hemisphere. Although the exact reasons for this variability are not yet fully understood, scientists suggest that precipitation patterns, temperature, and human activity may play a determining role.
Tonal variations also differ by region. While lakes in higher latitudes tend to be predominantly blue, in mid-latitude areas, where population density is higher, lakes are often greenish. In the Southern Hemisphere, reddish or yellowish hues are more frequently observed, suggesting a different physicochemical composition.
The change in lake coloration is not a superficial phenomenon; it may indicate alterations in water quality and the stability of aquatic ecosystems. The increase in nutrient levels, algal blooms, and changes in phytoplankton composition are some of the possible causes of these shifts. In some cases, a transformation toward a bluer color could suggest cleaner water, but in others, it might indicate a reduction in organic matter and a disruption of aquatic biodiversity.
To address these challenges, the study proposes the use of satellite technology as a key tool for global lake monitoring. Remote sensing allows for real-time data collection on water quality, facilitating early detection of potential ecological issues. This methodology provides a scalable, cost-effective solution for long-term ecosystem monitoring, offering crucial information for conservation and water management decision-making.
In a world where climate change and human activity continue to alter natural landscapes, studies like this highlight the urgency of implementing sustainable strategies for water resource preservation. Understanding the factors behind lake color changes could be crucial for mitigating their degradation and ensuring water availability in the future.
SOURCES
Shen, X., Ke, C.-Q., Duan, Z., Cai, Y., Li, H., & Xiao, Y. (2025). Satellite observations reveal widespread color variations in global lakes since the 1980s. Water Resources Research, 61, e2023WR036926. doi.org/10.1029/2023WR036926
- Share on:
Discover more from LBV Magazine English Edition
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Extreme droughts triggered the great barbarian invasion of Roman Britain in the mid-4th century AD
A study led by the University of Cambridge has revealed that a series of extreme droughts between the years 364 and 366 AD may have been a determining factor in…
There is life on planet K2-18b: Strongest signs yet of biological activity detected outside the Solar System
A team of astronomers led by the University of Cambridge has detected the chemical fingerprints of possible signs of life on a planet outside the solar system. Using data from…
Archaeologists Discover a Roman Castellum on the Banks of the Danube, the First Found in Austria
For the first time, an archaeological investigation has conclusively documented the existence of a brückenkopfkastell—a Roman auxiliary outpost castle erected at a strategic river crossing point—on Austrian soil. The discovery,…
Prehistoric Sun Protection: How Homo sapiens Survived the Planet’s Magnetic Reversal 41,000 Years Ago
A recent study led by the University of Michigan suggests that Homo sapiens who inhabited Europe around 41,000 years ago may have survived a period of intense solar radiation thanks…
Magenta, the Color Born from a Battle
The history of colors is intertwined with the evolution of humanity, reflecting scientific advances, cultural conquests, and historical moments that have left an indelible mark on our perception of the…
This Is How Humans Managed to Make Fire During the Ice Age Glaciation
For millennia, fire has been considered an essential element for human survival: it not only provided warmth in hostile climates but also enabled food cooking, tool-making, and even served as…
A Celtic Iron Age Necropolis Found in France Without Human Remains but With Complete Swords in Their Sheaths and Other Treasures
At the top of the archaeological site of Creuzier-le-Neuf, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a team from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) has uncovered an extensive necropolis dated…
Ancient Inscriptions, Heraldic Shields, and Drawings Deciphered in the Cenacle of Jerusalem Built by the Crusaders
An international team of researchers has succeeded in identifying and analyzing dozens of medieval graffiti in one of Christianity’s holiest sites, the Cenacle of Jerusalem, the place where tradition says…
The Military Secrets of Urartu: How a Forgotten Kingdom Challenged the Mighty Assyrian Empire
In the mountains of eastern Anatolia, during the Iron Age between the 9th and 6th centuries BC, a kingdom arose that challenged one of the greatest powers of its time:…
Maximator, the intelligence alliance formed by five European countries that ended up being spied on by their own machines
Military alliances are interstate political agreements signed to achieve common defense. They have existed since Antiquity (remember, for instance, the leagues formed by the Greek city-states), and although their most…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
