Patterns and Variation of Littoral Habitat Size Among Lakes

The littoral zone varies in size among lakes from ∼3% to 100% of lake surface area. In this paper, we derive a simple theoretical scaling relationship that explains variation, and test theory using bathymetric data across the spectra freshwater (surface area = 0.01–82,103 km2, maximum depth 2–1,741 m). Littoral primarily reflects ratio photosynthesis depth. However, are similar these characteristics can have different relative areas because variation basin shape. Hypsometric (area-elevation) models describe patterns for individual be generalized accurately predict habitat when there is incomplete information. Collectively, our results provide rules understanding at regional global scales.