In our research, we aim to understand how changes in water level affect the lake and the organisms living in it. One zone which is particularly affected is the area near the shore. If we want to be able to quantify the impact of water level fluctuations, we must first be able to quantify how a rise in water levels translate into changes in shore zone. When the water rises 2 feet, what area is now underwater? How much more water is in the lake? To answer this question, we need detailed maps of the bottom of the lakes (which we call bathymetric maps). For most of the lakes in our study, this hasn't been done since the 1970's. For some other lakes, it has never been done at all. Furthermore, since we are interested in the shore zone, we want a very detailed survey of this part of the lake. Hence, we are currently mapping the 15 lakes in our study. You may have seen us stroll the shore zone with our antenna: Rebekah Stiling, Olden lab member handling the GPS antenna with particular skill Or you may have seen someone in a boat crisscrossing the lake with some strange contraption attached to the boat: This system is simply a GPS antenna (to give very precise geographical points) coupled with a depth sounder (which gives the depth right below it).
We will continue gathering the data for the next couple of weeks. Afterwards, we will gather data on water level for the dates when we were out there and start making the maps. It will take some time getting everything together and making the maps. Come back here to see the final results.
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Each year, the Washington State Lake Protection Association organizes a conference where people all around Washington state gather to exchange information, present their latest research and make new connections. This year, the meeting was held in Bellingham from October 5th to October 7th. Vincent presented some preliminary results from the project at the conference. The presentation was well received and a lot of good ideas were shared. We're looking forward to future conferences and being able to provide more in-depth results from the project!
It is up! The website officially launched today. It is not yet complete. The data section still needs to be added and a more in depth project description will soon follow. We will keep you updated on our progress regularly so come back soon to see what has changed. In the mean time, take some time to appreciate the pictures and small project descriptions. Enjoy!
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