What causes damage to lakes from increased ultraviolet light?

Increased ultraviolet (UV) light can harm lake ecosystems primarily due to the synergistic interactions among ozone depletion, acid deposition, and global warming. The depletion of the ozone layer allows more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which can have damaging effects on both aquatic life and the overall health of lake ecosystems.

Higher levels of UV radiation can directly harm phytoplankton, which are crucial for the food web as they form the base of most aquatic food chains. Additionally, increased UV exposure can disrupt the natural growth of these organisms, leading to lower productivity in lakes. Acid deposition can exacerbate these effects by altering the pH of the water, which may further harm aquatic species sensitive to pH changes. Global warming can affect temperature and water levels in lakes, leading to changes in habitat and ecosystem dynamics. Together, these factors create a situation where lake ecosystems are especially vulnerable, showcasing the compounded effects of human activity on the environment.

In contrast, excessive rainfall may influence water levels and runoff but does not directly relate to the UV damage itself. Invasive species primarily affect biodiversity and competition within the lake but are not connected to UV light exposure. Overfishing impacts fish populations and their ecosystem roles but also does not directly link to the dangers