Lakes of gypsum karst
Description (English)
Small permanent lakes that have developed in springs or spring complexes of active gypsum karst areas. These water bodies are characterised by large fluctuations of water level (up to 2.5 m) which is related with the level of the underlying water table and amount of precipitation. Maximum depth of the pools does not exceed 7 m, but the stratification is well-expressed. Intensive gypsum solution leads to high saturation of Ca++ and SO4-- ions in water. The unusual conditions allow unique colonies and mats of green and purple sulphurous bacteria to develop in the lakes. Communities of Charetea, Lemnetea and Potamogetonion are the dominant elements of the water vegetation.
Source: Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, version EUR 28 (2013)
Quick facts
| EU Habitats Directive | Annex I habitat type (code 3190) |
|---|---|
| Habitat type | Not priority |
| Natura 2000 sites | 19 are designated for this habitat type |
Distribution
Conservation status
EU conservation status
Conservation status assesses every six years and for each biogeographical region the condition of habitats and species compared to the favourable status as described in the Habitats Directive. The map shows the 2013-2018 assessments as reported by EU Member State. Assessments are further detailed in the summary document available behind the link below.
Species mentioned in habitat description
Flowering Plants
Ceratophyllum demersum
Flowering Plants
Lemna trisulca
Flowering Plants
Potamogeton lucens
Flowering Plants
Potamogeton pectinatus
Flowering Plants
Schoenoplectus lacustris
Flowering Plants
Sparganium erectum
Mosses & Liverworts
Warnstorfia exannulata
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Ceratophyllum demersum | Flowering Plants | |
| Lemna trisulca | Flowering Plants | |
| Potamogeton lucens | Flowering Plants | |
| Potamogeton pectinatus | Flowering Plants | |
| Schoenoplectus lacustris | Flowering Plants | |
| Sparganium erectum | Flowering Plants | |
| Warnstorfia exannulata | Mosses & Liverworts |
