Water_Bodies_Thermal_Regime_English

1.

AZERBAIJAN TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
Thermal Regime of Water
Bodies
Student: Mədət Əliyev
EM26A1
Instructor: Leyla Kərimova
GANJA, 2026

2.

THERMAL REGIME
Water temperature indicates the condition
of an ecosystem
Thermal regime
Changes in temperature over time and space;
the entry, distribution, and release of heat in
water.
Temperature affects density, viscosity, gas
solubility, and the development of living
organisms.
Objective
To explain the concept, examine the influencing
factors, compare water bodies, and identify their
ecological significance.
Six Key Concepts
Water temperature
Heat exchange
Temperature stratification
Thermal stratification
Thermocline
Convection
In which the temperature
Do not mix with the
difference in density.
changes rapidly layer.

3.

INFLUENCING FACTORS
Seven factors shape the thermal regime
Atmosphere
temperature
The sun
radiation
Heat
mode
Wind
Anthropogenic factors
Depth and shape of the basin
Precipitation
and
groundwater
Water flows and do not interfere
The Sun is the main source of heat
Solar radiation depends on latitude, season, and cloud cover. In clear
water, energy penetrates deeper; in turbid water, it is absorbed in the
upper layer.
Because of their high heat capacity,
lakes and seas respond to changes
in air temperature with a delay.

4.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
Water’s properties moderate its thermal
Water reaches its maximum
regime
density at about 4°C.
4.18
kJ/(kg·°C) · approximate specific heat
capacity
Ice floats and protects deeper
layers. Evaporation cools water.
The heat balance determines temperature
ΔQ = Q gained − Q lost
If heat gain is greater, the water warms. If heat loss is greater, the water cools.

5.

LAKES AND RESERVOIRS
Three layers form in deep lakes
Lakes and reservoirs
Shallow lakes warm quickly in summer
and cool quickly in winter.
In deep lakes, a large temperature
difference develops between the surface
and the bottom.
The depth from which water is released
at a dam affects the temperature
downstream.
When mixing is weak, oxygen
deficiency may develop in deeper
water.

6.

RIVERS AND OCEANS
River temperature is determined by flow
and water sources
Rivers.
Mountain rivers are colder than lowland rivers because
they are fed by snow, glaciers, and groundwater.
Shallow lowland rivers warm up in
summer. Temperature affects the
distribution of fish.
Oceans transport heat around the globe
Surface waters are warm in the tropics and cold
near the poles. Warm and cold currents influence
coastal climates.
Deep layers receive little solar energy; ocean
circulation is linked to temperature and salinity.

7.

THE CASPIAN SEA
The Caspian Sea: the world’s largest enclosed
body of water
The northern part is shallow and becomes cold in winter; ice
cover forms in some years. In summer, the surface warms while
deeper layers remain cold.
Temperature is important for fisheries, biodiversity, and climate
assessment.
Seasons change the thermal regime
Spring
Ice melts and spring
mixing occurs.
Summer
Thermal stratification
develops.
Autumn
The upper layer cools
and the water mixes.
Winter
Ice cover reduces heat
exchange.

8.

ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Temperature determines living conditions for
organisms
Fish
Metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Aquatic plants
Photosynthesis.
Microorganisms
Decomposition of organic matter and oxygen
balance.
Oxygen solubility decreases in warm
water.
Human activity disrupts the natural regime
Thermal pollution: warm wastewater from
industrial facilities and power plants.
Climate change: warming surface waters
and shorter periods of ice cover.
Deforestation, urbanization, and reservoir
construction.

9.

AZERBAIJAN
In Azerbaijan, the thermal regime depends on relief
and water sources
Rivers of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus are fed by snow,
glaciers, and groundwater.
The Kura and Aras warm up in summer and are influenced by
snowmelt in spring.
In the Mingachevir Reservoir, the surface warms in summer and
stratification may develop. Ice cover is not a permanent feature
along the Azerbaijani coast of the Caspian Sea.
Monitoring and protection
Thermometers, electronic sensors, and depth profiles.
Satellite data show surface temperature, but not the temperature of
deep layers.
Control wastewater, protect shoreline vegetation, and conduct
regular monitoring. Use water resources efficiently and promote
environmental awareness.

10.

CONCLUSION
Regular monitoring protects
ecosystems
The thermal regime is shaped by the Sun,
weather, wind, depth, and water flow. High heat
capacity makes temperature changes gradual.
Thermal pollution must be prevented.
This knowledge is important for managing
Azerbaijan’s water resources.