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What is a lake? At first glance, this seems like such an easy question: a lake is simply a body of water surrounded by land. But this sterile, physical definition is only a beginning, and there are so many other more interesting ways to consider the nature and meaning of lakes. The ‘Introduction’ outlines the aim of this VSI: to provide a condensed overview of scientific knowledge about lakes, their functioning as ecosystems that we are part of and depend upon, and their responses to environmental change. It considers the physical, biological, and chemical features of lakes as well as their importance in environmental sciences, engineering, and society. ...Less

‘Deep waters’ explains the role of François A. Forel in the birth and development of limnology, a new integrative science he defined as ‘the oceanography of lakes’. In his comprehensive monograph on Lake Geneva (1892), Forel subdivided the science of lakes into different disciplines and subjects. There were two aspects of Forel’s new science that set his thinking apart from many of his contemporaries. Studying the physical, chemical, and biological properties of lakes produced an integrated picture of the ecosystem. The second aspect recognized that human beings were also part of the ecosystem. The creation of lakes, their underwater shape, and the importance of lake sediments analysis is also discussed. ...Less

‘Fragile environment’ looks at the stresses on the ocean environment and considers the options and challenges we face for achieving sound management of ocean space in the coming decades. We need to be fully aware that the oceans’ resources have different limits to their renewability, and that marine ecosystems are profoundly fragile. The world’s population needs adequate and sustainable energy, drinking water, and food supplies. These are three of the most pressing issues of the 21st century, and for each of them the oceans hold part of the solution. But sustainability can only be achieved through a more equitable distribution of resources, a limit to excess, and firm management of the environment. ...Less

‘Ocean bounty’ examines the variety of resources and their availability in the ocean realm—from oil, gas, coal, and clathrates to industrial metals and food resources—as well as the use of oceans for renewable energy, waste disposal, and trade routes. In a world where the human population is set to exceed 10 billion by 2100 and global aspirations are for ever-improved standards of living, it is inevitable that the world’s natural resource base is under scrutiny. It is also inevitable that we are turning more and more to the oceans in this context. However, although the ocean is bountiful it is not an inexhaustible solution to our needs. ...Less

‘Extreme lakes’ describes a range of lakes that are of great scientific interest because of their unusual physical, chemical, and biological features. Salt water lakes occur in many parts of the world and are often highly productive, with a simplified food chain supporting large flocks of birds. Polar and alpine lakes are strongly affected by snow and ice, and are therefore sensitive to small changes in temperature across the freezing–melting threshold of water. Other extreme lakes include those that have acid and alkaline waters; geothermal hot-water lakes, and water bodies that periodically erupt, disgorging liquid and gas. In some, only the hardiest of ‘extreme-loving’ microbes can survive and grow. ...Less