Premium Essay

Lake Tahoe

In: Science

Submitted By MRenfree
Words 284
Pages 2
Georga-Mae Smith
07/16/2015

Ecosystem Structure, Function and Change

Lake Tahoe is the largest lake in America it is located in Sierra Nevada and is a freshwater lake over 1600 feet deep. The lake is at the heart of a comprehensive ecosystem and contains rich aquatic life and has a range of native species for example, the lake is home to redside dace, suckers and chub. “The ecosystem of the Lake Tahoe Basin has been dramatically altered since European settlers began to settle around the lake in the middle of the last century. Human disturbances, including introduced species, fire suppression, past overgrazing and logging, urbanization, roads, intensive recreational use, and air pollution, have affected not only the clarity of the lake, but the forest's ability to maintain the function, diversity, and resiliency of its components” (Tahoecam.com).
At the end of the 19th century, along with other issues such as drought, thinning and excessive rainfall, Lake Tahoe now has overcrowded and aged trees, yet with a 25% to 30% tree mortality which makes the danger of fires very severe (Tahoecam.com).
When it comes to the quality of the water in the lake, human activities over the last 130 years have done the most damage yet the human activities in the lake have acted as the biggest impetus to restore the water quality. Since 1959 the rate of algal growth has quadrupled in Lake Tahoe: “This increase in growth is due to the excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the Lake. These two nutrients have become unnaturally abundant in the lake because of human caused disturbances. The primary anthropogenic sources are accelerated erosion, fertilizer use, car exhaust and urban runoff”

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Ecosystem, Structure and Change

...Structure, Function and Change Lake Tahoe is located in Sierra Nevada and is a freshwater lake over 1600 feet deep and one of the largest lakes in America. The lake is at the heart of a comprehensive ecosystem and home to a range of native species and contains a rich aquatic life. For example, the lake is home to redside dace, suckers and chub. “The ecosystem of the Lake Tahoe Basin has been dramatically altered since European settlers began to settle around the lake in the middle of the last century. Human disturbances, including introduced species, fire suppression, past overgrazing and logging, urbanization, roads, intensive recreational use, and air pollution, have affected not only the clarity of the lake, but the forest's ability to maintain the function, diversity, and resiliency of its components” (Tahoecam.com). Deforestation at the end of the 19th century, along with other issues such as drought, thinning and excessive rainfall, Lake Tahoe now has overcrowded and aged trees, yet with a 25% to 30% tree mortality which makes the danger of fires very severe (Tahoecam.com) Generally when it comes to the quality of the water in the lake, human activities of the last 130 years have done the most damage yet have acted as the biggest impetus to restore the water quality (Tahoecam.com). Furthermore the rate of algal growth has quadrupled in Lake Tahoe since 1959: “This increase in growth is due to the excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the Lake. These two nutrients have become...

Words: 740 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Ecosystem Structure, Format, and Change

...Change Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine late in North American, the 16th deepest lake in the world and is also one of the largest lake in America it is located in Sierra Nevada and is a freshwater lake over 1,600 feet deep which makes it the second deepest lake in the united states. The lake is at the heart of a comprehensive ecosystem and contains rich aquatic life and has a range of native species for example, the lake is home to residence, suckers and chub. “The ecosystem of the Lake Tahoe Basin has been dramatically altered since European settlers began to settle around the lake in the middle of the last century. Human disturbances, including introduced species, fire suppression, past overgrazing and logging, urbanization, roads, intensive recreational use, and air pollution, have affected not only the clarity of the lake, but the forest's ability to maintain the function, diversity, and resiliency of its components” (Tahoecam.com). At the end of the 19th century, along with other issues such as drought, thinning and excessive rainfall, Lake Tahoe now has overcrowded and aged trees, yet with a 25% to 30% tree mortality which makes the danger of fires very severe (Tahoecam.com). When it comes to the quality of the water in the lake, human activities over the last 130 years have done the most damage yet the human activities in the lake have acted as the biggest impetus to restore the water quality. Since 1959 the rate of algal growth has quadrupled in Lake Tahoe: “This increase...

Words: 764 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Case Study

...The North Face hosts a high-energy sales meeting at high elevation Sales representatives live the brand and learn about new products at Martis Valley The Challenge The North Face wanted attendees at its Spring 2013 sales meeting to live the brand with an authentic outdoor experience. Sales representatives and corporate employees were invited to hike several miles into Martis Valley, a rural forested area more than 6,000 feet in elevation near Lake Tahoe in a remote region of the Sierra Nevada wilderness. The unique venue provided special challenges for Henry V. The Solution This massive undertaking required that Henry V transport thousands of pounds of tents, chairs, audio-video equipment and temporary power to a remote region of the Sierra Nevada wilderness in order to safely and spectacularly support an audience of nearly 500 guests. Henry V staff lodged in a RV at the remote event site for a week to support the incredible outdoor experience. A 130- by 80-foot saddle tent was the primary venue for general session presentations and meals. Inside, a mountain- shaped structure upon which video mapping projection technology was employed to paint seasonal scenes as a backdrop for presenters. Scaffolding, rock climbing wall cleats and other similar elements enabled presenters and sponsored athletes to speak from different height levels. Henry V also created a custom mobile app for sales content with social networking features for real-time feedback during breakouts. The Results ...

Words: 1104 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Problems with Reno, Nv

...Problems with My Hometown The biggest problem I see with my hometown; Reno, NV, is that the downtown areas of Reno have an incredibly high crime rate compared to that of the surrounding areas in the Reno/Sparks area. Downtown Reno is supposed to be a place where locals and tourists can gather and experience the many attractions centered around the Truckee river and numerous casinos. However, most locals see it as being a rundown, dangerous place which turns many people away. If downtown Reno does not see some major changes I believe that it will start to see less and less attention and will cause city officials to spend millions to make the area a more suitable attraction for locals and tourists. As someone who was born, raised, and has lived nearly their whole life in the city I have seen and experienced some of the many problems within the downtown area. These problems make it so that families and kids should only go there during the day and when an event is happening, otherwise children can be exposed to some ugly things that they should not have to witness. Drugs, alcohol, and the homeless are a few of the big downsides to downtown Reno that need to be cleaned up. The harsh reality is that no matter what you may be doing there, you will always see some sort of illegal activity going on. I find this rather appalling due to the fact that the Reno Police Department is centered in downtown Reno, not to mention it is only a few blocks away from one of the most crime...

Words: 707 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Resource Collection

...Resource collection #5 Alliterations Develop Awareness of Beginning Sounds Children can follow children on the recording and have fun acting out some of the movements: pig rolls & plays; lizard leaps; snails slide; worm wiggles; caterpillar crawls; diving dolphin. Ask the children - what’s the same in most of the sentences of words (i.e. pink pig plays, pen - they all start with the letter p). Jack Hartmann Chorus Clap your hands to the beat Sing these tongue twisters with me Pink pig plays in his pen Pink pig plays in his pen Plays, plays in his pen Plays, plays in his pen Little lizard leaps by the lake Little lizard leaps by the lake Leaps, leaps by the lake Leaps, leaps by the lake Slithery snails slide so slow Slithery snails slide so slow Slide, slide, slide so slow Slide, slide, slide so slow Repeat chorus Wiggly worm wiggles in the water Wiggly worm wiggles in the water Wiggles, wiggles, wiggles in the water Wiggles, wiggles, wiggles in the water Creeping caterpillar crawls by the creek Creeping caterpillar crawls by the creek Crawls, crawls by the creek Crawls, crawls by the creek Diving dolphin dives so deep Diving dolphin dives so deep Dives, dives, dives so deep Dives, dives, dives so deep Repeat Chorus Starfish Song for Teaching About Compound Words and Syllables Fran Avni Each object named can be followed by claps, snaps, or any repeated rhythmic pattern. The door can be knocked on, the bell can be rung...

Words: 754 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Lake Trout

...The stocking of lakes began in the late 1800s in the wilderness lakes of the western United States. Lake Trout was the most common fish stocked because of its popularity among sport fisherman. Until the 1960s, the environment and its ecosystems were not considered in the process of stocking a body of water. In the 60s, it became widely understood how fragile an ecosystem can be. Now, controversy surrounds the different methods of stocking fish as well as its jurisdiction under the law. In this investigation, fish stocking will be examined in its history, basics, ecological effects, and controversial areas. At the start of the 20th century sport fishing was gaining popularity. With the rise in fishing came the need for more fishing spots. To fulfill this demand, the process of stocking fish was used and became very prevalent. Will Colby,...

Words: 901 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Canton Lake

...Reid Haigler Professor Horton English 1213 2/4/13 The release of water from Canton Lake to replenish Oklahoma City’s drinking water has become a huge controversy in northwest Oklahoma. Oklahoma City officials claim that the city has waited as long as possible before pulling water from the lake; however, residents of Canton, Oklahoma don’t buy into this excuse. Is it really necessary to take 30,000 acre-feet of water from a lake that is already at a record low without much chance of recuperation? Besides the argument of whether or not Oklahoma City’s decision is warranted, the economy of the city of Canton as well as the lake’s land and wildlife habitat could experience detrimental losses. Oklahoma’s collective lakes have experienced an intense drought in the past two years. It is due to this drought that this issue has even come to light. Some claim Canton Lake was created as a reserve for Oklahoma City’s drinking water while others claim that it was created for flood control. As The Enid News and Eagle clarifies, “Kathy Carlson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake manager, told the group the lake was built for flood control, water supply and irrigation. Later, secondary purposes were included that added wildlife habitat and recreation” (Barron). Regardless of why the lake was created, local residents believe the water release is unnecessary. Canton business owners, residents, and even surrounding towns argue that Oklahoma City residents and businesses have been...

Words: 876 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

A Glance at Cheney Lake Reservoir Ecosystem

...A glance at Cheney Lake Reservoir Ecosystem James Killion SCI/256 August 12, 2013 Mary Corrigan, Ph.D. As any lake Cheney Lake Reservoirs ecosystems begins with the sun, for without the sun there is no life. This is true because the sun is what provides the energy that is needed for the start of a food chain. At Cheney Lake Reservoir there is no difference than any other lake. Phytoplankton is the start food chain; it is mostly made of algae. Phytoplankton needs a sufficient amount of sunlight and temperature to grow, not only does it need sunlight it also requires phosphorous and nitrogen to flourish. In order to have an ecosystem that is productive and healthy there must a proper amount of phytoplankton at all times. If there is not enough phytoplankton there will not be enough to go around, if there is too much there not be enough light to support life. Phytoplankton is considered to be a producer. Zooplanktons are considered to be the animal in the free floating particles in the water. Their perpose is to eat algae, bacteria, and sometimes other zooplankton. Zooplanktons are considered to be a primary consumer in this food chain. Next to come is known as the secondary consumer....

Words: 863 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Panguitch Lake Research Paper

...Panguitch Lake TMDL Panguitch Lake is located in the high mountains of southwestern Utah, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. It is a natural lake, but in 1885 a dam was built to increase the water capacity. When the lake is full, it is about 57 feet deep, covers approximately 1,234 surface acres and holds about 40,100 acre-feet of water. Panguitch Lake has 5 major tributaries, which are all creeks. Panguitch Lake has 5 beneficial use classifications, which include, 3A, 2B, 3C, 3D and 4. The only classification that is impaired is 3A. Class 3A is the protection of cold-water fish and other aquatic life. There are two causes for this impairment. The first cause is the amount of phosphorus in the water. The second cause is the low amount...

Words: 485 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

English Essays

...The Knife That Killed Me The book starts off by Paul explaining how the knife can come close but that the math means that it can never reach him. He is sitting in the geography room listen to the teacher mumble on about fresh water lakes in America, and how his eyes are gazing so far away that you could think he is there. Then he feels something at the back of his hair, and he runs his fingers through his hair and finds that it is chewing gum. We get introduced to Miller, Roth and another person. Paul’s school was divided between two types of "gangs." One gang was run by the school's biggest bully, Roth. Roth found physical pain in fighting. Meanwhile, the other "gang" kept to themselves and were friends. Around the school they were known as the "freaks" since they were quiet and didn't start trouble, there leader Shane was one of my favourite characters. He cared about his group and wanted peace. Roth bullies Paul into making him send a package up to their rival school, and when Paul says that he will get hurt Roth says its fine and that he know he’s coming. He delivers the package and finds out that it is a dogs head. The people at that school declare war and demand a fight at 2 tomorrow. Roth accepts the fight and starts to make an attack plan. The 2 schools start fighting and Paul becomes overpower and pulls out his knife on a kid from the other school, he feels scared and turns and plunges the knife into the person behind him. It was Shane. Shane died in hospital. Paul...

Words: 305 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Ffffffffffff

...flowing from different directions come together to form the main river, which ultimately drains into a large water body such as a lake or a sea or an ocean. The area drained by a single river system is called a drainage basin. A closer observation on a map will indicate that any elevated area, such as a mountain or an upland, separates two drainage basins. Such an upland is known as a water divide (Figure 3.1). Sr ea m B 3 T Sr ea m A W at er Di vi de subcontinent. Accordingly, the Indian rivers are divided into two major groups: • the Himalayan rivers; and • the Peninsular rivers. Apart from originating from the two major physiographic regions of India, the Himalayan and the Peninsular rivers are different from each other in many ways. Most of the Himalayan rivers are perennial. It means that they have water throughout the year. These rivers receive water from rain as well as from melted snow from the lofty mountains. The two major Himalayan rivers, the Indus and the Brahmaputra originate from the north of the mountain ranges. They have cut through the mountains making gorges. The Himalayan rivers have long courses from their source to the sea. They perform intensive erosional activity in their upper courses and carry huge loads of silt and sand. In the middle and the lower courses, these rivers form meanders, oxbow lakes, and many other depositional features in their Figure 3.1 : Water Divide The world’s largest drainage basin is of the Nile...

Words: 3526 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Roles of Snakes

...in harm to other organisms (Encarta dictionary 2007). This is one of the ecological problems that are affecting PAU thought others don’t see it as a problem. Thus, the essay will discuss further on how it is started and evidences of its existence, how to minimize or prevent it from eventuating, and how it affects the environment in which we live in and give a real case study of its effects. Eutrophication began to develop on the lakes of PAU when the campus department stopped cleaning the lakes in order to let the birds to lay their eggs on the flowers growing in the lakes. This is evident in lake two. This has led to eutrophication due to the overcrowding of plant life in the lakes. Some proof that the lakes are becoming entropic are that they smell, overgrowth of plants means the level of oxygen is depleted and less penetration of sunlight, algae are starting to cover the surface of the lakes. Therefore, this shows that lakes here at PAU are starting to become eutropic. Prevention is better than cure therefore it is better to prevent the lakes from becoming eutropic than to cure it after it has become eutropic. As stated in the article, ‘How to cure Eutrophication’ (2012, May 17) that a pond that has become eutropic is hard to rehabilitate. This is because not only will you have to fight the nutrients that are currently running off into the pond, but you also have to undo all of the problems that have compounded over the past number of weeks, months, years. By this point...

Words: 627 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Grass

...Research Essay Lake Wylie is located on Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties in North Carolina and York County in South Carolina. The lakes water supply primarily comes from the Catawba River. The lake is man-made and used to create hydroelectricity by Duke Power Company. Lake Wylie is a large lake and offers an abundance of space for recreation and activities including: boating, fishing, water skiing, sun bathing, swimming and numerous other activities around the lake. It is enjoyed by many people during the summer time. Safety on the water becomes a problem with so many people participating in water activities. Several People die and many others are injured each year in association with the lake. The first thing that comes to mind when being around water is being able to swim. Many people die each year while being on the lake because they cannot swim or not very strong swimmers. Some people think its not cool to wear a life jacket so they jump into the lake without wearing one. They can swim for a short while but they become exhausted and are not close enough to grab on to anything and they struggle to keep their head above the water. Other children were never taught how to swim at all and they think they will be fine hugging onto a float or noodle but they can lose their grip and down they go. The water is dark and by the time someone notices it is to late. The lake water itself is a safety concern. There have been reports of sewage leakage into the lake. This spreads lots...

Words: 1426 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Mito

...environmentalists as you decide what course of action to initiate evaluating both ethical and economic issues. Harvard Business Review Summary: In July 2009, Vale NL began building a $2.17 billion nickel refinery in Long Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador. The refinery would bring economic prosperity by creating 1,600 to 2,000 jobs during construction and 400 to 500 permanent jobs in an area of high unemployment. The project's environmental assessment process began 2006 and the company had successfully completed the required environmental impact statements for the government. A major environmental issue was the disposal of tailings from the refinery, and the approved solution was to store them in a natural lake known as Sandy Pond. Members of several environmental NGOs had opposed the use of the lake as a...

Words: 774 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Eutrophication

...Report Jonathan W. Moore, Daniel E. Schindler, Mark D. Scheuerell, Danielle Smith and Jonathan Frodge Lake Eutrophication at the Urban Fringe, Seattle Region, USA Nutrient pollution and associated eutrophication of freshwaters threaten the ecological integrity and the services provided to humans by lakes. We examined how human residential development influenced the level of lake eutrophication in the Seattle, WA, USA, region. We surveyed 30 lakes and measured 3 indicators of eutrophication: concentrations of chlorophyll-a and phosphorus, and the proportion of algae that are inedible to zooplankton. We classified lakes based on the waste-treatment method for shoreline homes: septic, sewer, and undeveloped lakes. Septic lakes occurred along the urban-rural fringe while sewer lakes occurred near urban centers. Septic lakes were more eutrophic than sewer lakes and undeveloped lakes, as indicated by higher levels of phosphorus and chlorophyll-a. These results suggest that septic systems contribute to the high levels of eutrophication in lakes at the urbanrural fringe. Lakes at the urban-rural fringe represent an opportunity for proactive management of urban expansion to minimize lake eutrophication. A lake without shoreline development. Undeveloped lakes were less eutrophic than lakes with shoreline houses. Photo: D. Schindler. INTRODUCTION Residential development in the United States has increased substantially over the last 50 years. Much of...

Words: 6539 - Pages: 27