Lake Trasimeno is one of the largest Italian lakes, and its economic and environmental importance is very high. The levels of the lakes are subjected to significant fluctuations during severe drought episodes. According to a study by Ludovisi and Gaino (2010) the surface water temperature in Lake Trasimeno has shown a more marked increase (0.65 °C decade-1), comparable to that observed in other lakes of Mediterranean areas. This has caused significant alterations of the thermal and hydrological balance with a progressive lowering of the water levels and a progressive accumulation of dissolved salts (3.5 106 kg y-1) and increased alkalinity. With the continuous warming and increased drought episodes significant challenges are foreseen for water resources and water quality in the area in the near future.
The picture shows the extraordinary low water levels reached during the 2012 drought episode in Central Italy.
Tiber River (the second largest river in Italy after Po River).
