Water temperature - deeper?

If the water temperature in winter has some very light floating ice, how is the water temperature 6 feet deep in a one acre lake? Georgia.

Is it the same as the surface or warmer?

Warmer.

water is most dense at 39 degrees...when ice capped the near surface temperature is usually 32-34 degrees. If there is little to know current on the body of water, that 39 degree water will be at or near the bottom

Actually in most ice covered ponds/lakes 39 degree water will be at or near the bottom and up to within a foot or two of the surface. At the very bottom the water in a 1"-3" zone layer can be 40F-41F from the residual summer accumulated heat radiating from the pond bottom.

Originally Posted By: Bill Cody

Actually in most ice covered ponds/lakes 39 degree water will be at or near the bottom and up to within a foot or two of the surface. At the very bottom the water in a 1"-3" zone layer can be 40F-41F from the residual summer accumulated heat radiating from the pond bottom.

Interesting!

Originally Posted By: Bill Cody

Actually in most ice covered ponds/lakes 39 degree water will be at or near the bottom and up to within a foot or two of the surface. At the very bottom the water in a 1"-3" zone layer can be 40F-41F from the residual summer accumulated heat radiating from the pond bottom.

I wonder if the higher temps on bottom can also be from decaying matter? Kinda like compost giving off heat.

The heat from the bottom organics decomposition is minor compared to geothermal heat released from the sediment. The bottom becomes a heat sink during summer providing the pond is destratified. At least that is what my limnology book states.

Originally Posted By: Bill Cody

The heat from the bottom organics decomposition is minor compared to geothermal heat released from the sediment. The bottom becomes a heat sink during summer providing the pond is destratified. At least that is what my limnology book states.

I have no doubt that you're right. I was just thinking out loud.