Newswise — "Below the peaceful surface of a lake is a dynamic and complex ecosystem of fascinating creatures interacting in weird and wonderful ways," Peter Tobiessen writes in his recent book, "The Secret Life of a Lake."

"The typical person enjoying a canoe or kayak trip on a lake is totally unaware of what lies beneath the lake's surface - in essence the lakes's secret life."

A comprehensive overview of all things aquatic, from water chemistry to nutrient enrichment to acid rain and invasive species, "The Secret Life of a Lake" is designed for the non-scientist.

"Ultimately, my purpose was to help the curious lake enthusiast better understand the dynamics within these complex ecosystems," Tobiessen writes in the prologue. "The more we understand these beautiful ecosystems, the deeper appreciation we will have for our lakes, and the wiser our decisions will be in preserving them."

A biology professor emeritus at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., where he taught from 1970 to 2006, Tobiessen is a long-time summer resident of the Adirondacks. He owns a home on Sacandaga Lake near Speculator, N.Y.

To learn more about Tobiessen's research, go to http://www.union.edu/news/stories/2013/09/living-pollution.php