Why does the lake produce a “rotten egg” smell in the spring and early summer?
During the months of winter, the upper layer of water (Epilimnion) becomes colder than the lower layer (Hypolimnion). Since the cold water is heavier, it “sinks”. The warmer water “rises” to the surface and since decomposing organic material is present on the lake bottom, the water brings along several gases, primarily Hydrogen Sulfide, that are released into the air. People commonly refer to this process that occurs in the winter and spring as the lake “turning over”. Although some of these gases, such as Hydrogen Sulfide, smell like rotten eggs and can be dangerous when concentrated in enclosed areas, the release of the gas from the lake does not pose any risk to humans or wildlife.
