Earth’s Eye: Observatory for Ecosystem Changes in Muskegon Lake

Date:

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Dr. Bopi Biddanda, Associate Professor
Annis Water Resources Institute and Lake Michigan Center
Grand Valley State University

Wednesday, December 7, 2011
10:30AM, Lake Superior Hall
Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab
4840 South State Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Lakes are sentinels of change that reflect their regional climate and landscape. We have now established a long-term, multi-sensor buoy-based observatory in Muskegon Lake (Michigan) to track physical, chemical and biological changes taking place in this Area of Concern (AOC) undergoing restoration in real-time. Observatory-derived lake and meteorological time-series data will be used to assess indicators of ecosystem change such as food web structure, water quality and harmful algal blooms. Information is being shared through a live data display, web and regional observing networks for monitoring, research, and educational outreach and support for the restoration of this coastal environment.

Our observatory for tracking ecosystem changes in Muskegon Lake is now gathering vital time-series data on parameters including the lake’s water quality, currents, production, and respiration. The observatory seeks to link regional conditions to seasonal aquatic productivity. With the aid of the new Lake Observatory, I will discuss the implications of some observed trends in plankton metabolism to our understanding of carbon cycling and food webs in this Great Lakes tributary lake.

Information to register for the webinar:

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/110726770

Contact Us:

CILER
G110 Dana Building
440 Church Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1041
Phone: (734) 763-3010

Vision and Mission:

CILER's vision is to enhance the quality of the Great Lakes and its related ecosystem services, through a partnership of universities, NOAA scientists, and other stakeholders.

CILER's mission includes: 1) translating research into productive outcomes through outreach and education; 2) facilitating productive interactions between scientists in the Great Lakes basin, with a primary focus on NOAA partnerships; 3) identifying and characterizing emerging areas of concern for the Great Lakes ecosystem, with applications to all coastal ecosystems; 4) providing a forum for better linking ecosystem responses, sustainable ecosystem services, and decision-making, and; 5) advancing our understanding of, and ability to predict, complex ecosystem processes, responses, and dynamics.