Summary This thesis is the first long-term investigation that gives a detailed characterization of the surface wave field including small-amplitude waves with a high temporal resolution in a lacustrine environment. In Lake Constance, wind as well as ship waves contribute to the overall wave field, whereas ship waves are as important as wind waves on an annual scale and even dominate the wave field during summer. The specific occurrence and properties of wind and ship waves cause different temporal patterns and have various implications on sediment resuspension and the underwater light climate, which in turn affect biotic processes in the littoral ecosystem. The results of this thesis demonstrate the strong linkages between physical processes and biological conditions, which supports the need of integrated research.