This month in ecological science
Glacier Bay's de-glaciation reveals new stream ecosystems supporting salmon migration; overfishing in lakes may not impact fish scarcity due to anglers' priorities.
Lakes
Articles tagged with Lakes
Endangered species? Should cheap phosphorus be first on an elemental 'Red List?'
Scientists call for increased awareness, global accounting, and technological innovation to address the potential social consequences of phosphorus scarcity. The element's pivotal role in fertilizer production and its impact on food security are highlighted as key concerns.
Mercury pollution in the Great Lakes region -- nearly forgotten, but not gone
Scientific studies show mercury concentrations in inland lakes and rivers exceed EPA health criterion, affecting fish and wildlife populations. Research indicates improvements in air emission controls have slowed mercury contamination, but some areas still pose serious risks to human health.
Engineering team heads to Antarctica to explore hidden lake
A British engineering team is embarking on a scientific mission to collect water and sediment samples from a subglacial lake in Antarctica. The 'deep-field' research mission aims to find new forms of microbial life and provide clues about the Earth's past climate, with potential implications for understanding the evolution of life on o...
New GSA field guide: Archean to anthropocene geology of Minnesota and surrounds
The new GSA field guide covers a diverse range of geological topics in Minnesota and the surrounding region, including Precambrian geology, economic geology, and glacial geology. The guide features 25 field trips and provides best practices for educators conducting geology course field trips.
Long-lost Lake Agassiz offers clues to climate change
Researchers studying Lake Agassiz, a massive lake that once covered much of Canada and the US, have found evidence suggesting that increased evaporation, not outflow, caused a significant drop in water levels during the Younger Dryas cold interval. This finding provides insights into climate change and its effects on global systems.
EPA grants help Wayne State researchers stave off Great Lakes environmental invaders
Wayne State University researcher Jeffrey Ram is using EPA grants to develop effective ballast water treatment systems and an early warning system for invasive species in the Great Lakes. The goal is to minimize the impact of existing invasive species and prevent new ones from entering the lakes.
B chromosomes affect sex determination in cichlid fishes
Researchers discovered B chromosomes causing female-biased sex-ratios in a species of cichlid fish from Lake Victoria. The study also identified multiple protein-coding genes in the B chromosomes, suggesting their role in sex determination.
GSA Bulletin highlights: New research posted Aug. 8, 2011
Recent studies in California's Poison Lake chain, the Kyushu region of Japan, and the Cuyama River in California have revealed diverse volcanic formations and complex tectonic interactions. In California, research suggests that discrete batches of basalt erupted along a short normal fault zone, while in Japan, volcano-tectonic processe...
MSU professor launches new field of water research, nets $2.2 million NSF grant
Patricia Soranno is pioneering landscape limnology, a new field of research that studies bodies of water as integrated elements in the landscape. The goal is to create a new understanding for natural resource managers to address unique freshwater resources in a landscape context.
Heavy metal -- in and around the lakes
A study published in Interdisciplinary Environmental Review reveals high levels of toxic heavy metals in Jail Talav and Kalwa Lakes, posing a risk to drinking water and crop irrigation. Regular monitoring is crucial for the well-being of the surrounding population.
Organic carbon suggests Swedish lakes were less acidified
A new study of Swedish lakes suggests that power station emissions may have played a smaller role in acidifying the lakes than previously assessed. Organic carbon from living organisms has been found to be a significant contributor to lake acidity, and pre-industrial levels were likely even higher.
96-million-year-old fossil suggests prehistoric crocodile Terminonaris was Texas native
A well-preserved, 96-million-year-old fossil snout discovered in Texas indicates that the prehistoric crocodile Terminonaris originated in the Lone Star State and North America. The find, which is the oldest of its kind worldwide, provides new insights into the group's wider distribution range and age.
Fast-shrinking Greenland glacier experienced rapid growth during cooler times
A University at Buffalo study found that Jakobshavn Isbrae expanded outward at a similar pace as it retreated in recent years, supporting evidence that calving glaciers are sensitive to climate change. The glacier's growth was linked to the Little Ice Age period around 200 years ago.
Texas Parks Wildlife Commission member Karen Hixon to receive ESA's 2011 Regional Policy Award
Karen Hixon, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission member, will receive the ESA's 2011 Regional Policy Award for her dedication to informing policy decisions with ecological science. The award recognizes her outstanding record of promoting environmental stewardship in local communities.
Time to let science drive Great Lakes policy on Asian carp, experts say
A new study suggests that the threat posed by invasive Asian carp to the Great Lakes ecosystem is real and warrants action. The research finds that separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through hydrological separation could provide a permanent solution to prevent further ecological and economic harm.
Benchmarking a slice of Africa; preserving biodiversity through science
A multidisciplinary team led by RIT professor Anthony Vodacek is conducting a comprehensive survey of Lake Kivu to understand the interplay between volcanism, faulting, and biological processes on the region's biodiversity. The study aims to provide scientific data for informed decision-making on land use and preservation in Rwanda.
Flooding of ancient Salton Sea linked to San Andreas earthquakes
Researchers found evidence of coincident timing between ancient Salton Sea flooding and fault rupture, potentially triggering large earthquakes on the southern San Andreas Fault. The study suggests heightened preparedness for a major quake immediately following smaller quakes in the stepover zone is warranted.
Fulbright scholar takes ecological theory to Andean heights
A Fulbright scholar is studying the ecological theory of Patagonian lakes in Argentina's Andean heights, focusing on nutrient chemistry and planktonic inhabitants. The research aims to establish a baseline for understanding lake nutrient supplies in 'ancestral,' pre-development conditions.
Study finds golden algae responsible for killing millions of fish less toxic in sunlight
A Baylor University study found that sunlight reduces the toxicity of golden algae, which kills millions of fish every year. The research suggests that longer exposure to natural sunlight decreases the algal toxin's effect on fish and other aquatic organisms.
Phosphate sorption characteristics of European alpine soils
Researchers found that European alpine soils generally retain similar amounts of phosphate, ranging from 9-145 mmol kg-1, with aluminum oxide concentration being the key factor. Acidified soils retain more phosphate than non-acidified ones.
Meltzone 2011: CCNY expedition to track life and death of supraglacial lake
A team led by Dr. Marco Tedesco is tracking the lifecycle of a supraglacial lake on the Jakobshavn Isbræ glacier in Greenland. The team will study the lake's formation, drainage, and impact on glaciers' flow towards the sea.
Asteroid served up 'custom orders' of life's ingredients
Scientists discovered diverse amino acid amounts in Tagish Lake meteorites, suggesting water alteration played a role in their formation. The findings provide new insights into pre-biotic chemistry on asteroids and may impact our understanding of the origin of life on Earth.
Earth-bound asteroids carried ever-evolving, life-starting organic compounds
Researchers analyzed a pristine meteorite, finding that its organic compounds changed over time due to asteroid geology changes. Amino acids and monocarboxylic acids were present, essential for the evolution of first life forms on Earth.
Climate played big role in Vikings' disappearance from Greenland
Researchers at Brown University found a significant link between climate change and the Norse settlements' disappearance in Greenland. The Little Ice Age, which began in the 1400s, is believed to have played a major role in their demise.
2 Greenland glaciers lose enough ice to fill Lake Erie
Two of Greenland's largest glaciers have lost sufficient ice to equal 300 gigatons in the last decade, equivalent to seven years of normal snow accumulation. Meanwhile, Helheim glacier gained a small amount of mass over the same period, providing a high-definition picture of climate-caused changes on the island.
Fluctuations before the fall: Predicting and preventing environmental collapse
Researchers have found that models used to assess catastrophic changes can also predict environmental collapse. By monitoring variability in key ecosystem processes, scientists can detect early warning signs of regime shifts and potentially prevent ecological breakdowns.
A tale of 2 lakes: One gives early warning signal for ecosystem collapse
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have detected an unmistakable warning sign of an impending ecological catastrophe in a remote Wisconsin lake. The team, led by ecologist Stephen Carpenter, monitored vital signs across three years and found subtle changes in the system's natural patterns of variability, indicating a reg...
Scientists detect early warning signal for ecosystem collapse
Researchers detected a warning signal of impending ecosystem collapse in a Wisconsin lake by monitoring its complex signals and biological community changes. The study provides evidence that radical change can be foreseen, potentially preventing ecological catastrophe.
'Explosive' evolution in pupfish
A new study by UC Davis found that two groups of pupfish from the Bahamas and Yucatan peninsula show extreme evolutionary changes, adapting to specialized diets in just a short period. The research suggests that these rapid evolutions are unique to these specific environments.
Human rules may determine environmental 'tipping points'
A new study finds that human responses to a changing environment determine environmental tipping points in ecosystems. Regulatory choices can influence behavior and alter ecosystem outcomes. Strong institutional support is crucial for effective management.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2011
Loch fossils show life harnessed sun and sex early on
Scientists discovered remarkably preserved remains of ancient organisms in Scottish lochs that lived a billion years ago. These fossils show complex algal cells with nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts, indicating early evolution of photosynthesis and sexual reproduction.
Invasive mussels causing massive ecological changes in Great Lakes
The spread of non-native zebra and quagga mussels in the Great Lakes has caused significant ecological changes, stripping lakes Michigan and Huron of life-supporting algae. This has resulted in a remarkable transformation and threatens multibillion-dollar U.S. fisheries.
Dead midges reveal living conditions of fish
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a method to study lake-bottom sediments and infer fish death in acidified lakes. By analyzing microscopic remains of dead midge larvae, they can recreate the history of the lake back to the early 19th century.
New research suggests wild birds may play a role in the spread of bird flu
New research suggests that wild migratory birds, such as bar-headed geese, may contribute to the spread of bird flu by carrying the virus between domestic farms and wetlands. The study found a significant link between Tibet, Qinghai Lake, and H5N1 outbreaks in both wild and domestic birds.
Tahoe native fish population declines sharply, invasives on the rise
A year-long study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers found a significant decline in native fish species density at Lake Tahoe since 1951. The team recommends establishing a management plan to protect the nearshore zone habitat critical to native fish populations.
Lover's lane for birds found in Arctic
The study found that the Teshekpuk Lake region contains some of the highest nesting bird densities and nest productivity across Alaska's Arctic. Additionally, nests at the site showed higher nest survivorship rates compared to another site in the Prudhoe Bay region with oil extraction activities.
Dry lake reveals evidence of southwestern 'megadroughts'
New research reveals ancient 'megadroughts' in the Southwest US, which may be followed by a cooler period. The study used sediment cores to analyze past climate conditions and found similarities with present-day warming trends.
Ancient catastrophic drought leads to question: How severe can climate change become?
An international team of scientists has compiled paleoclimate records revealing an extreme megadrought in the Afro-Asian region 17,000 to 16,000 years ago. This drought, known as the H1 megadrought, had significant consequences for Paleolithic humans and raises questions about the potential severity of climate change.
Child's cremation site reveals domestic life in Paleoindian Alaska
Scientists discovered an 11,500-year-old Paleoindian house in central Alaska with a cremated child skeleton. The findings provide a unique glimpse into the domestic life of the region's early people, including women and children. The child was around three years old and died before being cremated in a pit within the house.
Kent State geology professor and research team present findings studying drought
A team of researchers from Kent State University has studied the history of drought in the Pacific Northwest over the past 6,000 years. They used sediment records and tree-ring data to find that drought duration increased in response to decadal oscillations driven by marine processes.
6,000-year climate record suggests longer droughts, drier climate for Pacific Northwest
Researchers extracted a 6,000-year climate record from Washington state's Castor Lake, revealing longer, more extreme dry spells since 1200 AD, linked to changing El Niño/La Niú patterns.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2011
World's largest lake sheds light on ecosystem responses to climate variability
The study found that Lake Baikal's seasonality of surface water temperatures relates to the fluctuating intensity and path of the jet stream, while also tracking decadal-scale variations in the Earth's rotational velocity. This information can help forecast seasonal onset in Siberia and predict longer-term ecological changes.
Lake-effect theory sinks, but quake timing questions go on
A new study dating back 1,000 years of earthquakes at the San Andreas Fault shows no correlation between lake changes and earthquake timing. Despite this, researchers warn of a likely buildup of tectonic stress, making a major quake possible for southern California in the near future.
March 2011 Geology highlights
Studies reveal marine ferromanganese crusts as potential mineral resources, while CO2 emissions from volcanic lakes are also highlighted. Additionally, progressive uplift of the north Tibetan Plateau is confirmed since the middle Miocene, with implications for geological processes and catastrophic events.
Field study of smoggy inversions to end
A field study has been conducted to investigate the causes of winter inversions in urban areas like Salt Lake City, which can trap pollutants and lead to poor air quality. The researchers used a range of methods, including weather balloons, cars, and gliders, to collect data on temperature, wind, and moisture.
AGU journal highlights -- Jan. 27, 2011
Recent research reveals significant changes in China's lakes over the past several decades, with a decline in lake surface area and number, and creation of new lakes. Climate change and human activity are contributing factors, highlighting the need for more detailed regional studies to confirm these observations.
Fish smile but some consumers frown at new genre of phosphate-free detergents
New phosphate-free automatic dishwashing detergents are being developed to combat water pollution, but they may not be as effective as previously thought. Researchers are working on alternative formulas that can clean dishes without contributing to environmental harm.
Aquatic food web tied to land
A new study reveals that nearly a third of zooplankton's diet comes from land-derived organic matter. The research provides insight into the complex interactions within aquatic food webs and the role of watershed inputs.
SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2011
Scientists find industrial pollutants in Eastern Lake Erie carp
Scientists have documented elevated levels of PCBs and PBDEs in carp from eastern Lake Erie, which can disrupt endocrine systems and cause health issues. The findings highlight the lasting effects of human activity on the Great Lakes' ecosystem.
Thwarting attacks on cell phone mesh networks
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm to identify and block distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on mobile ad hoc networks in under 22 seconds. The technique can halt 80% of attack traffic and provide a model framework for building better security systems.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateJan 20, 2011
Lake Erie hypoxic zone doesn't affect all fish the same, study finds
A Purdue University study found that Lake Erie's large hypoxic zone negatively impacts aquatic life, but not all fish species equally. The study showed that some species, like yellow perch, were less affected, while round goby and rainbow smelt were more significantly impacted by the low oxygen levels.
Water, water everywhere focus of new sustainability project
A UW-Madison team, led by Chris Kucharik and Adena Rissman, is conducting a comprehensive study on the Yahara watershed to understand the links between water systems, land use, climate change, and human activities. The goal is to develop tools for managing water resources in balance with social, economic, and environmental considerations.
Prestigious journal validates Asian carp research
A team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame and The Nature Conservancy has successfully validated their environmental DNA (eDNA) technique for detecting invasive Asian carp in the Chicago-area waterway. This breakthrough method, which uses genetic material from aquatic organisms to identify species presence, has been hailed...
The universe's most massive stars can form in near isolation, new study finds
Astronomers used Hubble Space Telescope to observe eight massive stars in Small Magellanic Cloud, finding five without large neighbors and three in tiny clusters. The study suggests that giant stars can form randomly across the universe, including in isolation.
Invisible invasive species
A study by Michigan State University associate professor Elena Litchman reveals the potential impact of invisible microbial invaders on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Climate change is expected to exacerbate microbial invasions, leading to significant ecosystem changes.
Astrobiologists: Deadly arsenic breathes life into organisms
Scientists have found a bacterium that can grow using arsenic instead of phosphorus, challenging our understanding of life's chemical requirements. This discovery expands the scope of the search for life beyond Earth and suggests that alternative forms of life might exist in unusual environments.
From toxicity to life: Arsenic proves to be a building block
A bacterium isolated from Mono Lake has been found to use arsenic as a building block for its growth and survival. The new finding has significant implications for the origins of life research and could redefine our understanding of what constitutes life.
Catastrophic drought looms for capital city of Bolivia
A new study suggests that parts of Peru and Bolivia will become a desert-like setting if temperatures rise more than 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above modern times. The change would be disastrous for the water supply and agricultural capacity of La Paz, affecting its two million inhabitants.
That which doesn't kill perch makes them stronger -- or does it?
A team of researchers led by Michigan State University will investigate the effects of increasing doses of mercury on yellow perch. The study aims to shed light on the negative repercussions of low-level pollutants on fish populations.