Grant: Canada Research Chairs

Biogeochemistry explores how chemical elements such as carbon, nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) and toxins (e.g., mercury) cycle through living systems and their physical environments. These biogeochemical cycles – and their change – underpin the functioning of systems ranging from local ecosystems to our planet. As Canada Research Chair in Land-Ocean Biogeochemistry, Dr. Tank will explore how modification of landscapes by climate change and anthropogenic alteration affects the composition of water flowing through streams, rivers, and lakes; and how this change in freshwater chemistry affects freshwater ecosystems and the functioning of the downstream coastal ocean. Her focus is on Earth’s northern regions, where multiple factors are coming together to cause pronounced and often unexpected alteration of function across the land-freshwater-ocean continuum. Dr. Tank and her research team work from local to regional (including pan-Arctic) scales, and use approaches ranging from on-the-ground measurements, to laboratory experiments, to broad-scale modelling to understand changing biogeochemical function. In doing so, Tank undertakes research that is relevant across a variety of user groups. For local work in northern Canada, she aims to collaborate with local communities to undertake research that is locally useful and helps to address community concerns. For her work at large, pan-Arctic scales, she works with international colleagues to create research outputs that are meaningful for Canada and the international community. Training is at the core of Dr. Tank’s research program, and she takes a multidisciplinary approach to develop the scientific, analytical, and communications skills that will allow her trainees to contribute substantively to Canada’s overall well-being.