Fluctuations, the key aspect for the ecological interpretation of saline lake ecosystems

In Lake Gallocanta (Aragón, NE Spain) changes of the biological communities occur at different scales of time in accordance with physical and chemical characteristics of the water. Different stages of the lake can be defined by the values of abiotic and biotic variables. However, processes occurring at any time influence the characteristics of later stages, even after dry periods. Fluctuations of physical, geochemical and biological characteristics in Lake Gallocanta make clear this idea. Definition of the intensity and frequency of the fluctuations and their relationships with climatological and geomorphological characteristics of the watershed are the key aspects in understanding the ecological functioning of saline wetlands