Increase of density due to mixing (cabbeling instability) in a spring
thermal bar in Lake Baikal results in the sinking of cold sur-face wat
er (T = 3.2-3.4-degrees-C, w = 0.3 cm s-1) below the profile of T(md).
This density increase generates forced convection and subsequent move
ment of cold water along the underwater slope to maximum depths. Cooli
ng of deep and near-bottom waters caused by forced convection is compe
nsated during other seasons of the year by eddy heat flux directed tow
ard the bottom. On a long-term basis, vertical temperature profiles in
deep waters remain constant.