The Quanta Podcast What Happens When Lakes Stop Mixing
Dec 2, 2025
Rachel Nuwer, a science journalist and Quanta contributing writer, shares her field experiences at Crater Lake, revealing the lake's striking clarity and its ecological importance. They discuss how climate change is affecting lake mixing and the potential consequences, such as oxygen loss and toxic blooms. Nuwer contrasts Crater Lake with Northern Italian lakes facing severe mixing issues and highlights the need for local interventions. The conversation dives into the challenges of monitoring these vital ecosystems and reflects on the relationship between humans and nature.
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Firsthand Visit To Crater Lake
- Rachel Nuwer describes arriving at Crater Lake at sunset and seeing its ethereal, sky-blue water firsthand.
- She emphasizes the lake's visual clarity as if "no particles interrupting just the sun and the water."
Introduced Species Harm Native Newt
- Crater Lake hosts very few species; fish like rainbow trout and kokanee salmon were introduced for sport.
- Introduced crawfish decimated the endemic Mazama newt and its prey, nearly extirpating the newt.
Mixing Is The Lake's Heartbeat
- Lake mixing acts like a heartbeat, driven mainly by temperature differences and wind.
- Mixing moves oxygen and nutrients through stratified layers, sustaining lake ecosystems.
