A reexamination of stratification processes in Ides Cove, N.Y. with reference to sediment geochemistry

Abstract

Ides Cove is a small, relatively deep, isolated body of water off Irondequoit Bay of Lake Ontario, Irondequoit, N.Y. In 1970-71, the cove was meromictic with meromixis being attributed to the heavy application of deicing salts in the cove's watershed. Application of deicing salts to roads in the Town of Irondequoit has steadily declined from 31,230 metric tons in 1970-71 to 3,981 tons in 1979-80. Salt concentrations in surface waters of the cove have decreased since 1970. Complete mixing of the water column was observed during the winter of 1979-80 suggesting the town's "sensible salt use policy" has been a success. However, Cl- concentrations and conductivity in the hypolimnion have remained high due primarily to the saline discharge of ground water streams (mean annual Cl- = 303 mg/1). The discharge of saline ground water streams into the cove will affect mixing periods with autumnal and vernal turnover probably being replaced by a winter mixing period.