The influence of physical and chemical structure on trophic responses in West Point Reservoir, USA

Spatial differences in physical and chemical characteristics influence trop hic responses in reservoirs and have significant implications for managemen t. West Point Reservoir is an hydroelectric impoundment on the Chattahooche e River downstream from the City of Atlanta in west central Georgia, USA. M arked spatial patterns in limnological characteristics and trophic response s were related to loading and hydrodynamics. Regions influenced by turbid r iver inflows were well supplied with nutrients but exhibited low algal biom ass, while lake-like regions exhibited moderate to high algal biomass. Asse ssment of deviations in Trophic States Index values allowed identification of lake regions exhibiting similar characteristics, and provided a framewor k for discussing management requirements and opportunities.