Occurrence and microbial dynamics of macroscopic organic aggregates (lake snow) in Lake Kinneret, Israel, in fall

The occurrence, composition, and microbial dynamics of lake snow aggregates were studied in Lake Kinneret, Israel, in fall 1995 (September-December). Mechanisms of formation and bacterial colonization of aggregates were investigated under well-defined conditions by using rolling tanks. Abundance, form, and composition of aggregates in Lake Kinneret were controlled by biological as well as by physical parameters such as the phytoplankton standing stock and wind-induced shear forces. In meso-eutrophic Lake Kinneret, the abundance of aggregates ranged between