Science on Ice: Why Winter is the New Frontier for Freshwater Sciences

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badgertalks.wisc.edu

A close-up of Hilary Dugan.

Hilary Dugan

Some people like their science straight up, others on ice. UW-Madison's Center for Limnology has begun a deep dive into the science of lakes when they are frozen — which many lakes around here are, for several months each year. By knowing more about what’s going on in lakes when they are frozen, scientists can also come to better understand the effects of climate change. Center for Limnology researcher Hilary Dugan will share research on winter algae blooms, impacts of road salt and more. Register at wisconsinacademy.org (a livestream version is available).

media release: Here in Wisconsin, like most northern latitudes, the vast majority of freshwater research occurs during the warmer months of "open water" season.  But most lakes in Wisconsin are frozen for three to five months a year and there is a lot scientists don't know about what's going on under their icy surfaces. In just the past few years, researchers at the UW-Madison's Center for Limnology have launched an ambitious winter limnology effort to fill in gaps in scientific knowledge of Wisconsin's incomparable freshwaters and better understand what a warming climate means for our lakes. Center for Limnology researcher Hilary Dugan will share the latest research on everything from winter algae blooms to the impacts of road salt and how what winter limnologists learn can help protect our waters. 

Registration is on a pay-what-you-wish basis, with a suggested contribution of $5-15 to help keep the Academy's programs accessible to everyone.