Climate Change And Other Threats To World's Freshwater Goliaths

The Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) helps an interdisciplinary group of scientists use oceanographic research approaches to investigate the mysteries of large lakes, and that includes everything from large-scale reactions to climate change to new microbes and other forms of life. With support from the National Science Foundation, LLO scientists work to better understand the biology, chemistry, physics, and geology of these bodies of water. In the summer of 2011, LLO scientists completed a 17- day research cruise on Lakes Superior, Huron, and Erie, focusing on how a buildup of nitrates may impact the ecology of all the Great Lakes. They say a greater understanding of lakes will ultimately improve our management and conservation efforts.