Using the generalized F distribution to model limnetic temperature profile and estimate thermocline depth

A reasonably precise estimate of the thermocline depth (or other well-defined boundaries) in the temperature profile of a lake is of interest to the limnological community. In this article, we propose an empirical model based on the generalized F distribution to describe the temperature profile. Using the model, the thermocline depth can be easily estimated. We also discuss the Gauss–Newton method to fit the model to the profile data. The model fitting procedure is illustrated using data from Lake Whatcom, WA, USA.