Trophic State Index
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Lakes are characterized as
oligotrophic, mesotrophic or eutrophic
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Most Maine lakes are mesotrophic
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http://io.uwinnipeg.ca/~simmons/16cm05/1116/50-19a-OligotrophicLake.jpg
http://www.delcocd.org/MVC-003F.JPG
Lake productivity falls into three categories based upon nutrient status and overall production:
-Oligotrophic
-Mesotrophic
- Eutrophic
The image pictured with the mountain in the back is an extreme example of an oligotrophic lake
-the water is very clear, has high visibility and very limited production
The image pictured with the trees is an example of an extremely eutrophic body of water
-the water is very cloudy and is characterized with high levels of production
Mesotrophic lakes fall between these two categories
Majority of Maine lakes are mesotrophic making them moderately productive