Scientists studied 30 Sierra Nevada ponds that can swing 20°C in a day. Shrinking snowpack may make them smaller, warmer and more nutrient-rich

Mountain ponds in California's Sierra Nevada show significant daily temperature changes. Winter snowpack profoundly influences pond size and water temperature throughout summer. Less snowfall leads to warmer, smaller ponds with concentrated nutrients. Climate change projections indicate reduced snowpack, impacting these delicate ecosystems. These small water bodies play a crucial role in mountain biodiversity and nutrient cycling.