A Paleolimnological Record from Lake George, New York

In this study, a 30 centimeter (cm) sediment core taken from the north basin of Lake George was analyzed for changes in diatom community structure. The nature of this sedimentary profile, along with supporting evidence from the diatom community, strongly suggests that a low stand occurred in the lake sometime between 200-350 before present (BP). The low stand likely predated heavy settlement of the watershed and would have resulted in a several-meter drop in lake level. It is possible the lake was rebounding from this low stand as the watershed was being settled. Evidence of the recent onset of cultural eutrophication was also observed in the diatom community structure and is probably related to development within the watershed.