The Process of Sediment Accumulation in Club Lake
Club Lake is a key component of our campus and golf course that is strategic in terms of the game of golf but also serves as an important habitat for a number of fish, turtles, birds etc. Unfortunately, sediment accumulates over time in this attractive body of water like any other dammed compound. The process of sediment buildup in lakes is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by various environmental factors: geological, hydrological, biological processes. It's important to understand that not all sediment is a result of careless construction projects upstream. There is a lot more to it.
Sediment in lakes originates from several sources, primarily consisting of soil, organic matter, and minerals that are transported from the surrounding landscape. Erosion is the primary mechanism through which sediments enter lakes. Rainfall, wind, and surface runoff contribute to the breakdown of rocks and soil, which are then carried into lakes by rivers and streams. Additionally, human activities such as development can exacerbate erosion, increasing the volume of sediment entering lakes. We live in an area of steep slopes and excessive rainfall. Sedimentation of ponds and lakes in our areas is unavoidable.
Organic material, including plant debris, leaves (think of autumn), algae and aquatic weeds also contributes to our sediment load. As these organisms die, their remains sink to the lakebed, becoming part of the sediment layer. This organic matter not only adds to the physical volume of sediment but also influences the chemical composition of the sediment, affecting nutrient cycling and the overall health of the lake.
Once sediments enter a lake, they undergo a process known as sedimentation, where they settle to the bottom. Several factors influence the rate and nature of sedimentation, including water temperature, flow velocity, and the physical and chemical properties of the sediment itself. In calmer waters, such as those found in Club Lakes, fine particles like clay and silt tend to settle slowly, forming layers over time. In contrast, coarser materials, such as sand and gravel, settle more quickly and tend to accumulate near the inflow points, where the energy of the incoming water slows. This is evident in Club Lake, where sand and gravel can be found more towards the #1o end of the lake, where 90% of the water enters the system.
The accumulation of sediment in lakes has profound implications on the golf course. One is simply the aesthetics of the lake. Another concern is water holding capacity. Sediment displaces water...water that we rely on for irrigation purposes. It can also affect water chemistry. Sediment can hold onto nutrients, making an ideal situation for algae and aquatic weed populations. On top of that, a shallow lake allows sunlight to penetrate to the bottom of the lake, further exacerbating weed problems.