Inventory of metrics for characterizing the hydromorphology and defining the ecological status of European lakes
Abstract
Hydromorphological conditions are among the key determinants of the composition and abundance of biological assemblages in lakes. Consequently, hydromorphological alterations can significantly affect aquatic biodiversity and ecological status of lake ecosystems. Internationally, various methods have been developed to monitor and assess hydrological and morphological status, with particularly comprehensive efforts in Europe under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). In this study, we compiled and reviewed hydrological and morphological metrics included in 13 assessment methods currently used in Europe to assess lake hydromorphological conditions. These methods are applicable to both natural and man-made lakes and are designed to support the implementation of the WFD. We categorized the metrics by spatial scale, affected processes, and data requirements, to inform a more strategic selection of metrics and improve their alignment with lake management and restoration strategies. Of the metrics reviewed, those that refer to changes in water flows and littoral habitat quality are best described. In contrast, changes in the hydrological connection between the lake and groundwater are rarely assessed. Ongoing methodological advancements and emerging technologies, particularly in remote sensing, are expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of hydromorphological alteration assessments in lakes. Future research needs are highlighted to address knowledge gaps regarding how climate change affects the hydrological and morphological characteristics of lakes, and, in particular to distinguish anthropogenic impacts on lake ecosystems from large-scale processes. A clearer understanding of these dynamics is essential for developing effective lake restoration strategies in the face of climate change.
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BibTeX
@article{argillier2026inventory,
title = {{Inventory of metrics for characterizing the hydromorphology and defining the ecological status of European lakes}},
author = {Christine Argillier and Tor Haakon Bakken and Alexandra Carriere and Marzia Ciampittiello and Sebastian Kutyła and Agnieszka Kolada and Jarno Turunen and Vasiliki Tsiaoussi and Andreas Hussner and Katarina Vartia and Sandra Mingarelli},
journal = {Ecological Indicators},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.114949},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05629406v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Inventory of metrics for characterizing the hydromorphology and defining the ecological status of European lakes
AU - Christine Argillier
AU - Tor Haakon Bakken
AU - Alexandra Carriere
AU - Marzia Ciampittiello
AU - Sebastian Kutyła
AU - Agnieszka Kolada
AU - Jarno Turunen
AU - Vasiliki Tsiaoussi
AU - Andreas Hussner
AU - Katarina Vartia
AU - Sandra Mingarelli
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Ecological Indicators
DO - 10.1016/j.ecolind.2026.114949
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05629406v1
AB - Hydromorphological conditions are among the key determinants of the composition and abundance of biological assemblages in lakes. Consequently, hydromorphological alterations can significantly affect aquatic biodiversity and ecological status of lake ecosystems. Internationally, various methods have been developed to monitor and assess hydrological and morphological status, with particularly comprehensive efforts in Europe under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). In this study, we compiled and reviewed hydrological and morphological metrics included in 13 assessment methods currently used in Europe to assess lake hydromorphological conditions. These methods are applicable to both natural and man-made lakes and are designed to support the implementation of the WFD. We categorized the metrics by spatial scale, affected processes, and data requirements, to inform a more strategic selection of metrics and improve their alignment with lake management and restoration strategies. Of the metrics reviewed, those that refer to changes in water flows and littoral habitat quality are best described. In contrast, changes in the hydrological connection between the lake and groundwater are rarely assessed. Ongoing methodological advancements and emerging technologies, particularly in remote sensing, are expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of hydromorphological alteration assessments in lakes. Future research needs are highlighted to address knowledge gaps regarding how climate change affects the hydrological and morphological characteristics of lakes, and, in particular to distinguish anthropogenic impacts on lake ecosystems from large-scale processes. A clearer understanding of these dynamics is essential for developing effective lake restoration strategies in the face of climate change.
SN - 1470-160X
SN - 1872-7034
ER -