Limnology of rivers and lakes

Limnology deal with the study of fresh waters contained within continental boundaries. Limnology evolved into a distinct science only in the past century, integrating physical, chemical and biological disciplines to became able to describe and manage freshwaters ecosystems. Although inland water bodies are well below the oceans size, they are complex systems and they can't be fully understood if studied without taking into account the complex interrelations between physical, chemical and biological aspects This paper offers an overview of the basic principles of limnology. Particular attention has been devoted to the integration of physical, chemical and biological information, highlighting how abiotic and biotic compartments deeply interacts to determine lakes and rivers evolution. Thus this text has the ambition to improve the mutual understanding between the different disciplines dealing with the specific compartments of freshwater ecosystems.