Solar heating and its influence on mixing in ice‐covered lakes

Abstract
SUMMARY 1. The influence of solar heating on the formation of temperature and density profiles of ice‐covered lakes is considered.2. Mathematical models are derived to quantify the effect of solar heating on vertical stability and its dependence on critical parameters,3. Solar heating is shown to be able to account for the thermal structure and mixing patterns of certain ice‐covered lakes.4. The importance of convective mixing is discussed in relation to the distribution of phytoplankton and nutrients.