1. the lower layer of water in a thermally stratified lake, typically cooler and denser than the upper layers
Usage: limnology; plural form

Examples

• The hypolimnia of deep lakes often become depleted of oxygen during summer stratification.
• Scientists measured temperature differences between the epilimnion and hypolimnia.
• Fish populations in the hypolimnia may be affected by reduced oxygen levels.
• The hypolimnia remain relatively stable in temperature throughout the summer months.
• Nutrient cycling between hypolimnia and surface waters occurs during lake turnover.
• Research focused on the chemical composition of various lake hypolimnia.