Abstract: A defining feature of the Canadian landscape are the millions of lakes that together comprise about 1/4 of the world’s fresh water. These lakes range from vast inland seas to the multitude of small lakes on the Canadian shield. A key feature of all these lakes is that their thermal structure and ice cover is very sensitive to global warming. Almost all these lakes freeze over to some extent in winter, yet we are only starting to learn what happens under the ice in these lakes and how this influences plankton and fish stock. This presentation will offer an introduction to the key physical processes that structure lakes in different seasons, and we will discuss how fish stocks and water quality in our lakes could change in a warming climate.
Mathew Wells is a Professor in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough. His field-based research program focuses on understanding the physics that control the water currents and mixing within large lakes. He works extensively with biologists to identify how the physical environment of lakes influences the water quality and habitat usage of important fish stocks. He is co-director of “Water Pathways”, one of the UTSC research clusters of scholarly prominence.
Great Explorations, is a series of academic discussions we hope will inspire our communities. Our special thanks to our engaged, critical thinkers who attend our speaker series. The dialogues that came out of these talks, both in-person and online via Zoom, are integral to our campus community and Scarborough communities at large. We welcome your input for future topics, as well as a review of previous recorded sessions available on YouTube.