What phenomenon describes the formation of three distinct layers in a lake based on temperature and associated differences in water density?

The phenomenon that describes the formation of three distinct layers in a lake based on temperature and the associated differences in water density is thermal stratification. This term specifically refers to the layering that occurs in a body of water due to temperature variations, creating distinct zones: the epilimnion (warm surface layer), the metalimnion (thermocline, where temperature changes rapidly), and the hypolimnion (cold, deeper layer).

Thermal stratification happens primarily during warmer months when the sun heats the water's surface, causing a difference in temperature and, consequently, density among these layers. The warmer, lighter water stays at the top while the cooler, denser water sinks, resulting in the layered structure. Understanding this process is crucial for managing aquatic ecosystems, as it affects oxygen distribution, nutrient availability, and the overall health of the aquatic environment.

The other choices do not specifically capture the nuances of temperature influence on stratification. While "stratification" can imply various forms of layering, "thermal stratification" clearly indicates the temperature factor. "Layering" is more generic and does not convey the specific role of temperature and density, while "density separation" lacks the emphasis on temperature gradients that are critical to this phenomenon