University of Ottawa
Earth Observation for detecting and monitoring long-term water quality changes across the Canadian Arctic — Aquatic ecosystems are changing as a result of global climate change. When ice in permafrost melts in the Arctic, aquatic ecosystems are impacted when sediment and organic matter are released into rivers and lakes. These changes have effects that include impacts on nutrient cycling, oxygen depletion and fish populations. While these changes have been documented for many lakes across the Arctic, we have no information on their geographical extent and how to best map and monitor the situation.

The research project focusses on how to use field observations and Earth Observation satellite data to augment insight into the spatial and temporal scope of these changes. Results will enable more timely and cost-effective adaptation to the changes, and a better scientific understanding of the processes involved.