Principal Investigator: Robert Kremens, Ph.D, Senior Research Scientist
Rochester Institute of Technology, Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Group
Amount funded: $10,000
Abstract
Monitoring discharge and loading from tributaries, algal blooms, distribution of algal mats and macrophyte beds has been identified as a Research Priority in the Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative Action Agenda (Landre 2004). We propose a demonstration of an inexpensive, synoptic method of observing these phenomena through a combination of airborne remote sensing and in-water ‘trigger’ devices. This system will allow monitoring of sporadic runoff events without intervention by expensive boat crews. The airborne data collection system has been previously used to determine dissolved organic matter, chlorophyll, and other water column constituents over a wide area. (Vodacek 2002) Using buoys that respond to sudden and/or rapid changes in the column temperature profile (indicating a turnover or other temperature shock event), turbidity or surface reflectivity, and are radio linked to a shore data collection station, we can summon an airborne data collection when most needed. At this phase of development, we will focus on predicting the size and perhaps the density of the plume from overhead imagery. Concurrent research using other airborne assets will allow better estimates of the composition of the plume. Boat based sampling for monitoring these phenomena is inefficient in terms of time and money, provides only a spatial and temporal ‘snapshot’ of a dynamic system, and may not provide accurate information because of sparse temporal and spatial sampling associated with such collection systems. Boat based data collection systems are also inefficient in monitoring change, again because of the sparseness of the data set. We propose a combination of existing technology developed at the Rochester Institute of Technology to test the feasibility of developing low-cost buoys to monitor physical parameters and to serve as sentinels for rapid change. Monies supplied by this grant will be used to assess the feasibility of developing a buoy prototype and to provide verification of the efficacy of the overhead observation technique in measuring sediment plume parameters. Such a system would provide ecosystem managers and policy makers with remotely sensed real-time data on runoff, algal blooms and macrophyte beds in the littoral zone, fundamental data needed for assessing Great Lakes ecosystem status.
Principal investigator: Michael R. Twiss, Great Rivers Center, Clarkson University
Amount funded: $10,000
Abstract
Coastal inputs of nutrients and contaminants impact phytoplankton community composition and health in localized and large areas of coastal Lake Ontario. The advanced instrumentation array (viz., Fast Repetition Rate Fluorimeter, FluoroProbe) available for assessing the in situ phytoplankton community onboard the R/V Lavinia is able to detect and quantify the impact these sources have on the ecology of the lake and thus, this work is relevant to assessing the status of the coastal zone in this lake. The primary objective of this project is to assess phytoplankton community composition and health in relation to water quality in shoreline features (tributaries, bays, and embayment) along the New York coastline of Lake Ontario in June 2006. This research is consistent with the goals of LOCI, the Lake Ontario LaMP, and the GLWQA. This project will be collaborative by seeking input from stakeholders in the areas proposed to study, and by providing courtesy sampling and additional deck space onboard the R/V Lavinia to the GLRC. The project will quantitatively and qualitatively assess how coastal inputs in eight areas impact Lake Ontario water quality and thus assist in LOCI’s need for the ranking of impacted coastal zones. The data base garnered in this project will assist the synthesis of a grant proposal to support further work on Lake Ontario (e.g., the proposed Lake Ontario Field Year in 2008 led by the LOLA group), and a proposal to USEPA GLNPO to assess phytoplankton community composition and health in AOCs. The Great River Center at Clarkson University, a node of the of the GLRC New York Great Lakes Initiative for Science and Education facilities network, is committed to the study of the limnology of the St. Lawrence River, and its headwater, Lake Ontario, and will collaborate within the LOCI/GLRC network.
Principal investigator: Giorgos Mountrakis, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York
Amount funded: $10,000
Abstract
Human-constructed impervious surface area (ISA) such as buildings, roads, parking lots, is an important indicator expressing human alterations to natural environments and ecosystems. ISA reduces or eliminates the capacity of the underlying soil to absorb water, and has a significant impact on the environment and human health, therefore playing an important role in land use decisions. With this effort we plan on transitioning a successful remote-sensing ISA monitoring methodology, originally developed for Las Vegas, NV to the Lake Ontario coastal zone. Funds from this effort will be used as seed money for a pilot project. Successful transition of our method to Lake Ontario will lead to larger projects, where interdisciplinary research will be emphasized through collaboration with hydrologists, biologists and ecologists. By doing so, we will be contributing to significant LOCI priorities, such as long-term monitoring of the coastal zone and embayments, and identification of location of pollution sources.
Principal investigator: Mark Bain, Cornell University & co-investigator Marci Meixler, Cornell University
Amount funded: $9,500
Abstract
The north Coast of New York State is suffering from Extensive impairments that limit recreational use and affect economic development of the region. The goal of this project is to use GIS technology to map impaired areas in New York tributary watersheds to Lake Ontario in terms of nutrient and sediment stream loading, nutrient and sediment pollution sources, riparian degradation, obstruction to fish passage, floodplain encroachment and hydrologic alterations. Results from these mapping efforts will satisfy two LOCI priority areas: 1) creating a rank order of watershed for remediation and 2) segment analysis of pollution loading sources. We will collaborate closely with the Nature Conservancy during the course of this project to ensure that practitioners in the region have access to project results and use them to direct and inform restoration actions.