Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Our long-term research programs focus on two critical topics related to climate change: (a) evolution of lake and river ice in winter and (b) repercussions on the urban environment of extreme weather events, such as heat waves and smoke from wildfires in summer. The increase in magnitude and frequency of such climate change events affects Canadians safety and health. These events come with high costs to Canada. We urgently need a mobile laboratory consisting of an all-wheel drive minivan with a towing hitch (Item 1 $59K), which can seat at least three people equipped with environmental monitoring sensors (Item 2 $59K). Two meteorological stations provide reference stationary data points. To achieve the objectives of our research program on lake and river ice, we need to acquire data from October to May. We start in late fall by installing instruments near and in lakes and rivers. Throughout the winter, we monitor ice-cover evolution including ice jams with drones and boreholes. This requires three people on the field at all times for safety reasons. After spring break-up, we measure water levels with a boat and/or a kayak. May through October, we document urban heat islands and the impact of heat waves on the local urban environment, using mobile methodologies, where a roaming weather station documents urban neighborhoods complemented with stationary weather stations. The mobile laboratory will enable us to train highly qualified personnel with environmental monitoring skills, which are in demand in research, industry, government and local organizations such as municipalities.