"The plant die off caused the water to lose 23 inches of clarity.. "
Any change in water color ? Cool temps usually mean clearer water .
The water may be slightly more brownish-green. I looked at the water under my microscope and there is suspended plant material and plenty of critters too.
"Usually" isn't always usual here. The unusual may be caused by the constant battle between air temperature and ground water temperature trying to control the pond water temperature. (Keeping in mind that the cooler groundwater constantly flows through the pond) These opposing forces influence the pond water temperature; a few cloudy and/or cool days give the groundwater a big advantage in cooling (this week’s rapid temperature drop). Most ponds don't have this particular dynamic or at least it is not as pronounced.
Contemplating all the ways that rapid temperature swings could affect pond organisms could keep a pondhead awake at night!
The unusual may be caused by the constant battle between air temperature and ground water temperature trying to control the pond water temperature. (Keeping in mind that the cooler groundwater constantly flows through the pond) These opposing forces influence the pond water temperature; a few cloudy and/or cool days give the groundwater a big advantage in cooling (this week’s rapid temperature drop). Most ponds don't have this particular dynamic or at least it is not as pronounced.
