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.