Notre Dame researchers unveil innovative system for studying the impact of climate change on streams
Earth owes its nickname “The Blue Planet” to the seas and oceans that cover over 70% of its surface. And yet, for most people, it is Earth's smaller freshwater sources that serve their daily needs. Over half of the world’s population lives within two miles of a river or stream. These replenish aquifers and deliver water for drinking, washing, irrigation, and other purposes.
Scientists know that climate change poses a significant threat to the world's freshwater, including rivers and streams. A few degrees of warming can upset their balance and can lead to blooms of toxic algae, contamination from disease-carrying pathogens, a rise in invasive species, and other serious problems.
However, predicting and controlling changes in freshwater ecosystems can prove challenging. Jennifer Tank, the Galla Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, explains, "The impact of temperature changes on streams and rivers is not well understood. Researchers need an experimental setting that closely resembles natural conditions but also includes a way to manipulate water temperatures."
To fill the gap in scientific understanding, Tank and her colleagues at Notre Dame's Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI) have added a crucial new capability to the Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF) called the Linked Experimental Temperature System (ND-LEEF-LETS).
Latest Research
- Notre Dame researchers advance encryption and high-performance microelectronics technologiesResearchers at the University of Notre Dame have received new funding through the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronic Commons (SCMC) Hub as a part of the CHIPS and Science Act. In the fall of 2024, the White House announced the initial round of technical projects through the Microelectronic Commons…
- Notre Dame celebrates Black History MonthBlack History Month, observed annually in the United States during the month of February, provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, experiences and heritage of Black Americans. The University of Notre Dame will celebrate Black History Month with a variety of activities and resources.
- Nanovic Sustainability Fellowship selects two students to carry out environmental research during their semester abroad in Ireland…
- Galilee Immersion Program: Exposing First-Year Law Students to the Impact of Public Interest LawThe Galilee Immersion Program, a cornerstone experience for first-year law students at Notre Dame Law School, exemplifies the Law School’s commitment to educating "a different kind of lawyer." Established in 1981, the program…
- Three Arts & Letters faculty recognized for influential educational practice and policy…
- University of Notre Dame and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile dual PhD program welcomes all disciplinesBuilding on a long history of partnership, the University of Notre Dame and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile have announced the expansion of their dual Ph.D. program. Previously available to engineering students, the program now welcomes candidates from all academic disciplines, reflecting the universities’ shared vision for international collaboration and promoting academic innovation.