Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The sediment found at the bottom of glacier-fed lakes preserves a record of the environmental processes occurring in the lake, as well as the airshed and watershed linked to the lake. Detailed examination of these sedimentary records has been used as a 'proxy' to understand processes of the past and present, including flooding, snowmelt and temperature. However, the utility of these records is limited by our understanding of the network of processes that define this system, and our ability to represent the environment with numbers. Expanding our understanding of the process-network operating within, and beyond, these lakes is central to establishing the value of environmental proxy records. The process of flocculation, whereby small particles combine to form a single, larger composite particle is a key target in this proposal. By creating larger particles, flocculation accelerates the rate at which sediment falls through the water column and it may favour particle of a particular size, lithology or association with micro-organisms. As such, flocculation is a key issue in water quality, especially in British Columbia where glacier-fed lakes are used for drinking water supply and for hydroelectric power generation. Flocculation may also play a key role in the creating the sedimentary records used as proxy indicators of environmental change. The knowledge gained through this research program is vital in the management of reservoirs and will provide key contributions to studies of the associated freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems in response to climate change. Research objectives will be accomplished through an innovative field program at select glacier-fed lakes and reservoirs in British Columbia and Yukon Territory. This research program will provide comprehensive field training, and research mentorship, opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.