Relative Rank Graph

Relative Rank Graphs

This new graph shows the ranking of lake sites compared to all Missouri lakes.

Each box plot represents a monitored parameter. The dot visible on each box plot shows how that parameter (at that lake site) compares to the average values observed in 146 Missouri lakes.

The shaded bar on the left side of each graph roughly indicates expected water clarity.

A dot occurring at the bottom of the box plot indicates clear water with few nutrients, sediments or algae (e.g. Stockton Lake, Site 1).

A dot occurring at the top of the box plot indicates murky water with high concentrations of nutrients, chlorophyll or sediments
(e.g. Grindstone Reservoir).

How the Box Plots are Created

box plot explained

Each box plot in the figure represents the long term averages of 146 Missouri lakes for which we have at least four years of data.

The Secchi value for Table Rock Lake is among the clearest 25% of Missouri lakes.

The line in the center of the box represents the median, or middle value. Half of the data points (73) are above the median and half are below it. If you were to divide each half in half again, you would have 4 groups, each representing 25% of the data. The box in the middle is simply drawn around the two middle quarters.