Abstract

Conductivity and chloride were measured for 2 years in nine tributaries of Lake
Mendota and Lake Monona in Dane County, WI. HOBO Conductivity loggers continuously
measured absolute conductivity and water temperature every 30 minutes. Breaks in
data collection were due to a calibration period or if the loggers were out of the
water. Grab samples for chloride concentration occurred weekly or biweekly.
Conductivity and water temperature were measured with a field meter at each sampling
excursion. This data was needed for a master’s research thesis with the goal of
characterizing the spatial distribution and loading of chloride in the Upper Yahara
River Watershed.<br/>

Abstract

Conductivity and chloride were measured for 2 years in Lake Mendota and Lake Monona in Madison, WI. Conductivity was continuously measured (every 30 minutes) on under-ice buoys in the eplimnia (1-2m below the surface) and hypolimnia (1m off the bottom of the lake) of the lakes. Depth-discrete chloride grab samples were collected from the lakes quarterly. Profile sampling in Mendota, which is approximately 25 m deep, occurred every 5m from 0-20m and at 23.5m. Profile sampling in Monona, which is approximately 21m deep, occurred every 4m from 0-20m. This data was needed for a master’s research thesis with the goal of identifying the lakes' mixing dynamics and how salinization may impact them.<br/>