A preliminary hydrosedimentary view of a highly turbid,tropical, manmade lake: Cointzio Reservoir (Michoacán,Mexico)

This study represents the first limnological assessment of Cointzio Reservoir (Michoacán, Mexico). A full three‐dimensional scan of temperature, conductivity and turbidity was done for the reservoir during two field surveys at the end of the 2005 rainy season (December 2005), and before the beginning of the next season (May 2006). These parameters also were measured continuously during the 2006 rainy season. Analysis of data within the context of local climate trends at a multidecadal scale indicates the reservoir can amplify seasonal features because of its morphometric properties. Between June to December, the reservoir behaved as a fluvial system, exhibiting a rapid, efficient mixing of the water column. Between January to May, the reservoir developed substantial stratification, and exhibited typical lacustrine characteristics. These alternate phases of fluvial and lacustrine regimes, associated with a high water turbidity throughout the year (Secchi depth of ≈0.2 m) contributes to stress on this aquatic ecosystem.