The Analysis of Trends and Seasonal Patterns of Temperature and Chlorophyll in a Freshwater Scottish Lake

Information on temperature and chlorophyll concentration at global or regional scales in a lake is fundamental for the study of freshwater. Investigating long-term trends and seasonal patterns in these variables is essential in order to describe changes in lake characteristics. In this paper, several modelling approaches which consist of parametric and nonparametric regression models are applied to determine the trends over time and seasonal patterns in each of these two variables, from 1987 to 2005. Two sites of interest are Cailness and Creinch, which are located in the north and south basins, of Loch Lomond, respectively. The results show there is a significant trend in surface water temperature at Cailness. However, no significant trend is suggested in chlorophyll at both sites and there is evidence of constant seasonal patterns for all of the variables, at both sites.