Lake Alchichica Limnology

The Uniqueness of a Tropical Maar Lake
1. Auflage 2022
ISBN: 978-3-030-79098-1
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 433 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 686 g

The book provides a comprehensive account of a tropical lake, Alchichica, considering that tropical limnology is by far less known and well-understood than temperate. Many of the well-known temperate limnology paradigms do not apply in tropical limnology, such as the = 1ºC/m thermocline concept, or the role of phosphorous as a limiting nutrient. Lake Alchichica is - most likely – the best limnologically known Mexican lake up to date. Twenty years of continuous monitoring has led us to understand this deep, warm monomictic lake. The peculiar chemical composition of this saline lake – sodium-alkaline with a high concentration in magnesium waters, and groundwater-fed – led to the formation of its unique stromatolite ring that has become world-famous, studied by scientists from various countries. From a biological point of view, this relatively small maar lake displays a comparatively low species richness but surprisingly is plentiful in microendemic species for a recently-formed lake (13,000-6,300 years old, at the Late Pleistocene/Holocene Epoch), eleven of which already described, with more to come. Researchers and students interested in tropical limnology, extreme ecosystems, evolutionary biology, astrobiology,and microbiology will find this book a must-read.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Alcocer, Javier

Fachgebiete

• Geowissenschaften Umweltwissenschaften Biodiversität
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Mikrobiologie
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Ökologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1

Lake Alchichica: History of Human Settlements

Ismael Arturo Montero-García and Roberto Esteban Junco-Sánchez

Abstract

Key words

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Prehispanic Records

1.3 Colonial Period

1.4. 19 and 20 Centuries

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 2

Geological Evolution of the Alchichica Crater

Gerardo Carrasco-Núñez and Boris Chako-Tchamabé

Abstract

Key words

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Regional Geological Setting

2.3 Maar Crater Lakes: Origin and Mechanisms of Formation

2.4 Volcanic Stratigraphy of the Alchichica Crater

2.5 Geological Evolution of the Alchichica Crater

2.6 Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 3

Paleoenvironmental Change in Central Mexico During the Last 20,000 Years

Margarita Caballero, Ma. del Socorro Lozano-García and Beatriz Ortega-Guerrero

Abstract

Key words

3.1 Introduction

3.2 The Nature of Quaternary Climatic Variability

3.3. Overview of Paleoenvironmental Changes in Central Mexico Since the Last Glacial Maximum

3.3.1 Full Glacial (20,000 to 15,000 yr BP)

3.3.2 Deglaciation (15,000 - 11,700 yr BP)

3.3.3 Holocene (last 11,700 yr BP)

3.4 Lake Aljojuca: A Record of Climatic Variability During the Meghalayan in the Cuenca de Oriental

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 4

Recent Climate of Serdán-Oriental Basin

Raúl Alberto Silva-Aguilera, Óscar Escolero and Javier Alcocer

Abstract

Key words

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Climate in Serdán-Oriental Basin

4.3 Vegetation

4.4 Temperature and Precipitation Seasonality and Annual Variability

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 5

Hydrogeology and Hydrochemistry of the Serdán-Oriental Basin and the Lake Alchichica

Raúl A. Silva-Aguilera, Gloria Vilaclara, María Aurora Armienta and Óscar Escolero

Abstract

Key words

5.1 The Catchment Area: Surface and Groundwater

5.2 Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry of Groundwater in the Vicinity of Lake Alchichica

5.3 Past and Present Hydrochemical Characteristics

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 6

Meteorological Regime, Local Climate, and Hydrodynamics of Lake Alchichica

Anatoliy Filonov, Irina Tereshchenko, Maria del Refugio Barba-Lopez, Javier Alcocer and Lydia Ladah

Abstract

Key words

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Hydrodynamic modeling in Lake Alchichica

6.2 Local climatology

6.2.1 Variability from one hour to a day (2002-2005)

6.2.2 Synoptic variability

6.2.3 Seasonal variability

6.2.4 Interannual variability

6.2.5 The effect of rain on lake stratification

6.3 Bathymetry and morphology

6.4. Hydrodynamics (measurements and modeling)

6.4.1 Lake level and current fluctuations

6.4.2 Internal waves in the lake

6.4.2.1. Fluctuations of water along the line of hydrological survey

6.4.2.2 Stratification

6.4.2.3 Temperature fluctuations in two separate points (moorings 1 and 2)

6.4.2.4 The speed of currents caused by internal waves

6.4.2.5 Trajectories of beams

6.5 Discussion and Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 7

Physicochemical Characteristics

Javier Alcocer, Martín Merino-Ibarra, Jorge A. Ramírez-Zierold, Luis A. Oseguera, Daniela Cortés-Guzmán, F. Sergio Castillo-Sandoval, Andrea P. Guzmán-Arias, M. Guadalupe Pérez-Ramírez

Abstract

Key words

7.1 Underwater Light Climate

Javier Alcocer and Luis A. Oseguera

7.1.1 Photosynthetic Active Radiation

7.1.1.1 Secchi Disk Depth

7.1.1.2 Euphotic Zone

7.1.2 Ultraviolet Radiation

References

7.2 Temperature and the Thermal Regime

Javier Alcocer and Luis A. Oseguera

7.2.1 Temperature

7.2.2 The Thermal Regime

7.2.3 Temperature Diel Cycle

References

7.3 Dissolved Oxygen

Javier Alcocer and Luis A. Oseguera

7.3.1 Dissolved Oxygen Concentration.

7.3.2 Anoxic Layer

7.3.3 DO Diel Cycle

References

7.4. Nutrients

Jorge A. Ramirez-Zierold, Martín Merino-Ibarra, Andrea P. Guzman-Arias, F. Sergio Castillo-Sandoval and M.G. Perez-Ramirez

7.4.1 Phosphorous

7.4.2. Nitrogen

7.4.3 Silica

7.4.4 Nutrient Stoichiometry

References

7.5 Dissolved and particulate carbon

Daniela Cortés Guzmán, Javier Alcocer and Luis A. Oseguera

7.5.1 Dissolved carbon

7.5.1.1 Total Dissolved Carbon

7.5.1.2. Dissolved Inorganic Carbon

7.5.1.3. Dissolved Organic Carbon

7.5.2 Particulate Carbon

7.5.2.1 Total Particulate Carbon

7.5.2.2 Particulate Organic Carbon

7.5.2.3 Particulate Inorganic Carbon

7.5.2.4 DOC:POC Relationship

References

Chapter 8

The Littoral Environment

Javier Alcocer, Elva Escobar and Luis A. Oseguera

Abstract

Key words

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Water Physical and Chemical Properties

8.3 Sediment Characteristics

8.4 Environmental Heterogeneity and Habitats

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 9

Aquatic Vegetation

Elia Matías-Hernández and Pedro Ramírez-García

Abstract

Key words

9.1 Hydrophytes. Definition and Delimitation of the Group

9.2 Aquatic Flora and Vegetation of Mexico

9.3 Hydrophyte Flora of Lake Alchichica. Composition and Distribution

9.3.1 Cyperaceae

9.3.2 Juncaceae

9.3.3 Ruppiaceae

9.4 Subaquatic and Submerged Vegetation of Lake Alchichica

9.5 Importance and Conservation

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 10

The Littoral Community

Javier Alcocer, Elva Escobar, Luis A. Oseguera, Alfonso Lugo-Vázquez, María del Rosario Sánchez, Laura Peralta, Mónica Cuellar and María Guadalupe Oliva

Abstract

Key words

10.1 The littoral zoobenthos

Javier Alcocer, Elva Escobar and Luis A. Oseguera

10.1.1 Background studies

10.1.2 Structure: Composition and Richness

10.1.3 Distribution and Seasonal Variations

10.1.4 Function and Trophic Complexity

10.1.5 Cryptic fauna

References

10.2 Littoral heterotrophic protist

Alfonso Lugo-Vázquez, María del Rosario Sánchez, Javier Alcocer and Elva Escobar

10.2.1 Introduction

10.2.2 Trophic groups

References

10.3 Littoral diatoms

Alfonso Lugo-Vázquez, Ma. del Rosario Sánchez, Laura Peralta, Mónica Cuellar and María Guadalupe Oliva

10.3.1 Introduction

10.3.2 Species Richness

10.3.3 Temporal, Spatial, and by Substrate Variation

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 11

Bacterioplankton

Rocío J. Alcántara-Hernández, Miroslav Macek, Jesús Torres-Huesca, Juan Arellano-Posadas and Patricia M. Valdespino-Castillo

Abstract

Key words

11.1 Study approaches

11.1.1 Microscopic Techniques (Direct Counts, FISH)

11.1.2 Culture-Independent Gene Marker Surveys

11.2 Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Heterotrophic Picoplankton

11.3 Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Photosynthetic Anoxygenic Bacteria

11.4 Conclusions

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 12

Phytoplankton of Alchichica: A Unique Community for an Oligotrophic Lake

Gloria Vilaclara, María Guadalupe Oliva-Martínez, Miroslav Macek, Elizabeth Ortega-Mayagoitia, Rocío J. Alcántara-Hernández and Cecilia López- Vázquez

Abstract

Keywords

12.1 The Phytoplankton of Lake Alchichica

12.2 Picophytoplankton

12.3 Nano- and Microphytoplankton

12.3.1 Particularities on the Composition of the Lake Alchichica’s Larger Phytoplankton

12.3.2 A Yearly Dynamics for Phytoplankton

12.4 Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 13

Protozooplankton

Miroslav Macek, Ximena Sánchez-Medina, Gloria Vilaclara, Alfonso Lugo-Vázquez, Fernando Bautista-Reyes and Patricia M Valdespino-Castillo

Abstract

Keywords

13.1 Introduction

13.2 Heterotrophic and Mixotrophic Flagellates

13.3 Ciliates as the Dominant Protozooplankton in the Warm Monomictic and Picophytoplankton-Rich Lake Alchichica

13.3.1 Saline- or freshwater communities?

13.4.1 Microaerophilic and Anaerobic Ciliate Assemblages: Are There True Pelagic Ciliates in the Anaerobic Hypolimnion?

13.4    Protozoan Interactions. What We Know About the Protozooplankton Feeding: Predator-Prey Interactions within Protozooplankton, Prokaryoplankton, and Eukaryotic Phytoplankton

13.5 Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 14

Metazooplankton: The Joys and Challenges of Living in a Saline, Oligotrophic, Warm Monomictic Lake

Elizabeth Ortega-Mayagoitia, José Arturo Alcántara-Rodríguez, Alfonso Lugo-Vázquez, Aideé Montiel-Martínez and Jorge Ciros-Pérez

Abstract

Keywords

14.1 Introduction

14.2 Diversity and Taxonomic Issues

14.2.1 Brachionus sp. ‘Mexico’

14.2.2 Hexarthra cf. jenkinae

14.2.3 Leptodiaptomus garciai

14.3 Temporal and Spatial Variation

14.3.1 Metazooplankton Density

14.3.2 Metazooplankton Biomass

14.4 Facing the Saline Environment

14.5 Resource Availability

14.6 On the Avoidance of Light and Visual Predation

14.6.1 Leptodiaptomus: A Normal DVM Pattern Limited by the Anoxic Hypolimnion

14.6.2 Brachionus and Hexarthra: The Law of the Least Effort

14.7 Lake Alchichica and the Evolution of Life-History Traits

14.7.1 Environmental Conditions Favor the Loss of Diapause Propagules

14.7.2 Leptodiaptomus: Phenotypic Plasticity to Temperature and Food

14.8 Conclusions

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 15

Alchichica Silverside

Xavier Chiappa-Carrara, Elsah Arce Uribe, Gerardo Pérez Ponce de León and Javier Alcocer

Abstract

Keywords

15.1 Introduction

15.2 Atherinopsidae: Poblana alchichica

15.3 Distribution and Abundance

15.4 Growth and Reproduction

15.5 Trophic Aspects

15.6 Parasites of Poblana alchichica

15.7 Fishing Technique and Local Consumption

15.8 Conservation Perspective

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 16

The Axolotl of Alchichica

Gabriela Parra-Olea, Rafael Alejandro Calzada-Arciniega, Víctor H. Jiménez-Arcos and Omar Hernádez-Ordóñez

Abstract

Keywords

16.1 Introduction

16.2 Amphibians from Lake Alchichica and nearby zones

16.3 Aquatic salamanders of the genus Ambystoma

16.3.1 Ambystoma taylori Brandon, Maruska, and Rumph, 1982

16.3.2 Ambystoma velasci Dugès, 1888

16.4 Ambystoma velasci in the Cuenca Oriental

16.5 Conservation of Ambystoma species in the Cuenca Oriental

16.6 Other amphibians of the Oriental Basin

16.6.1 Incilius occidentalis (Camerano, 1879)

16.6.2 Hyla eximia Baird, 1854

16.6.3 Hyla plicata Brocchi, 1877

16.6.4 Rana chichicuahutla Cuellar, Méndez-De La Cruz, and Villagrán-Santa Cruz, 1996

16.6.5 Rana spectabilis Hillis and Frost, 1985

16.6.6 Spea multiplicata (Cope, 1863)

16.6.7 Pseudoeurycea sp.

16.7 Discussion

16.7.1 Amphibians of the Cuenca Oriental

16.7.2 Amphibian declines, and Ambystoma taylori

16.7.3 Chytridiomycosis

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 17

The Deep Benthic Zone

Javier Alcocer, Elva Escobar, Luis A. Oseguera and María del Carmen Hernández

Abstract

Keywords

17.1 Introduction

17.2 Deepwater Physical and Chemical Properties

17.3 Deep Sediment Characteristics

17.4 Deep Benthos

17.4.1 Structure: Composition and Richness

17.4.2 Distribution and Seasonal Variations (Abundance and Biomass)

17.4.3 Population Structure

17.4.3.1 Candona alchichica

17.4.3.2 Chironomus alchichica

17.4.4 Strategies for Coping with Anoxia

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 18

Lake Metabolism

Javier Alcocer, Luis A. Oseguera, Daniel Cuevas-Lara, Sandra Guadarrama-Hernández and Benjamín Quiróz-Martínez

Abstract

Keywords

18.1 Introduction

18.2 Primary Production and Respiration

18.2.1 The Light and Dark Bottles Method

18.2.2 In situ Natural Fluorescence Method

18.2.3 Long-Term Phytoplankton Primary Production

18.3 Chlorophyll

18.3.1 In situ Natural Fluorescence

18.3.2 Extracted Chl-a

18.3.3 The DCM

18.3.4 Size-Fractionated Chlorophyll

18.4 New and Regenerated Production

18.5 Nutrient Limitation of Primary Productivity

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 19

Lake Food Webs

Elva Escobar and Javier Alcocer

Abstract

Keywords

19.1 Introduction

19.2 The Water Column

19.2.1 Microbial Loop

19.2.2 Microbial-Herbivorous Food Web

19.3 Pelagic-Benthic Coupling

19.4 The Deep Zone

19.5 Littoral Zone

19.6 Conclusions

19.7 Next Steps

References

Chapter 20

Diversity and Endemisms

Elizabeth Ortega-Mayagoitia, Gloria Vilaclara, Rocío J. Alcántara-Hernández and Miroslav Macek

Abstract

Keywords

20.1 Introduction

20.2 Diversity and Endemic Species: A Fascinating, Never-Ending Story

20.3 How Many Species Do We Know In Lake Alchichica?

20.4 Concluding Remarks 

Acknowledgements

References

Chapter 21

Conservation Actions

Elva Escobar, Verónica A. Arellano-Peralta, Verónica Aguilar-Sierra and Javier Alcocer

Abstract

Keywords

21.1 Introduction

21.2 Background Studies

21.3 Endemism and Conservation

21.4 Priority Hydrological Regions (RHP-CONABIO)

21.5 Long-Term Ecological Research Network

21.6 Protected Species

21.7 Protected Natural Area

21.8 Environmental Issues

21.8.1 Modification of the Water Dynamics of the Basin

21.8.2 Pollution

21.8.3 Introduction of Exotic Species and Extraction of Biota

21.8.4 Lake Alchichica Menaces

21.9 Conservation Prospects

21.10 Rationale for Prioritizing Biodiversity Conservation

21.11 Conclusions

References

Chapter 22

Microbialites: Diversity Hotspots in the Mexican Plateau

Patricia M. Valdespino-Castillo, Bernardo Águila, Jesús Torres-Huesca, Carla M. Centeno, Margarita Reyes-Salas, Sonia Angeles-García, Yislem Beltrán, Rocío J. Alcántara-Hernández, Hoi-Ying N. Holman and Luisa I. Falcón

Abstract

Keywords

22.1 Overview

22.2 Research History

22.3 Microbialite Microbiology: Microbialites are Active Communities

22.4 Microbialites in Deep Waters

22.5 Cyanobacteria: Main Components of Microbialites

22.6 Biomineral Structures

22.7 Biogeochemical Cycles

22.7.1 Nitrogen Cycling

22.7.2 Phosphorus Cycling

22.7.3 Sulfur Cycling

22.7.4 Trace Metal-Microbe Interactions

22.8 Biodiversity Conservation Challenges

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 23

The Lake Alchichica from an Astrobiological Perspective

Karina Elizabeth Cervantes-de la Cruz, Elizabeth Chacón Baca and Lilia Montoya

Abstract

Keywords

23.1 Introduction

23.2 The Search for Life in the Solar System Begins on Earth

23.2.1 Extreme Environments and Habitability

23.2.2 Extreme Environments as Analog Environments

23.3 Biomarkers: Direct and Indirect Indicators of Life

23.3.1 Chemical Signals of Ancient Activity

23.3.2 Geological and Morphological Imprints

23.4 The Lake Alchichica Seen as a Planetary Feature

23.4.1 General Features

23.4.2 Geologic Origin and Evolution of Lake Alchichica

23.4.3 Hydration of Volcanic Glass

23.4.4 Morphometry of Lake Alchichica

23.5 The Analogies of Lake Alchichica with Terrestrial and Icy Worlds in the Solar System

23.5.1 Maar Systems in Mars and Titan

23.5.2 The Lake Alchichica as an Analogous Environment of Enceladus Ocean

23.6 Geobiological Processes in Lake Alchichica: Implications for Life in the Precambrian

23.7 Conclusions

References

Chapter 24

Lake Alchichica Traditions, Myths, and Legends: Interviews with Local Residents

Verónica A. Arellano Peralta, Ángel Arellano Peralta and Javier Alcocer

Abstract

Keywords

24.1 Introduction

24.2 A Lake with Blue and Green Hues

24.3 A Glimpse of the Past

24.4 The Silver-Haired Mermaid and the Goblins (“Duendes”)

24.5 The Charms

24.6 Lake Alchichica, a UFO Base

24.7 The Infestation of Tiger Salamanders

24.8 Water Snake and Rain of Silversides ("charales")

24.9 Living Next to the Crater

24.10 The Giant Axolotl of Alchichica

24.11 La Llorona

24.12 The Ancient City of Cantona

Acknowledgments

Über Autor(innen)

Javier Alcocer graduated at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico (1981; MSc.: 1988 & DSc.: 1995, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México), biologist, limnologist. He has been studying tropical epicontinental water bodies, including lentic and lotic; was founder and president of the Asociación Mexicana de Limnología, and the Grupo de Limnología Tropical of the FES Iztacala. He is also the coordinator of the Alchichica Lake Group of the Red Mexicana de Estudios Ecológicos a Largo Plazo, the Mexican branch of ILTER. He is Investigador Nacional III of the Sistema Nacional de Investigadores.