Interactive field lesson
Where does the temperature change?
Illustrative data. These values are fictional and do not describe Lake O’ the Pines today.
Depth and temperature
Use actual depth measurements and a temperature probe. A sonar band alone is not a temperature or dissolved-oxygen reading.
8 ft · 84°F
Steepest sampled drop: 8–12 ft
9.0°F across 4.0 ft (2.25°F/ft). More samples can refine where the change happens. This is a comparison of entered measurements, not an oxygen profile or fish-finding result.
Why temperature changes with depth: USGS Temperature and Water. Conditions vary by lake, season, weather and depth. Use this exercise to ask better questions, not to infer that a depth is safe or productive.