Resampling of Microalgal Communities and soil lipids in Lakes Across a 1400 km Transect from Yukon to Northwest Territories: Analysis of Changes Since 1993

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: climate change, Subarctic lakes, Microscopic algae, Lipids, Lakes

Principal Investigator: Alibert, Marie (1)
Licence Number: 17528
Organization: Université Laval
Licensed Year(s): 2024
Issued: May 16, 2024
Project Team: Marie Alibert, David Eickmeyer, Jules Blais, Reinhard Pienitz,

Objective(s): To examine how climate change has impacted lake ecosystems and soils whether the changes follow a similar direction as those observed in Nunavik.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 5619. The objective of this study is to examine how climate change has impacted lake ecosystems and soils whether the changes follow a similar direction as those observed in Nunavik. Based on the results from Quebec, there should be a northward shift of different types of microalgal communities because of vegetation evolution. Additionally, there should be modifications in the species of microalgae found within these communities. We also want to try and establish relationships between these aquatic changes and those of the surrounding ecosystems, such as permafrost degradation, vegetation change and the influence of the length of the ice season. The methodology consists of collecting water, sediment, and soil samples for each lake studied. One cup of water and one cup of soil will be collected for laboratory analysis of their chemical compositi... Show moreons. Lake condition profiles for pH, specific conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen data will be obtained using a probe. A surface sediment core will be collected from the bottom of each lake, and only the top 2 centimeters will be kept for analysis. The estimated time on each lake will not exceed 1 hour. Laboratory analyses will be carried out at the University of Ottawa for soils and lipids, and at Laval University for microscopic algae. Environmental data will be obtained by satellite images. Communications with the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit First Nation have already begun. An Application To Access Gwich'in Private Lands has already been filed and is currently being analyzed. During the fieldwork, we will be in contact with local guides. After the fieldwork we will send a report and as soon as the results are available they can be sent to the various councils. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: June 28 - July 07, 2024 Show less