Lake Ecosystem Dynamics

The Lake Ecosystem Dynamics group studies the processes that shape lake ecosystems across time and space. We combine long-term monitoring data with modelling approaches to investigate how biological communities interact with each other, how they interact with physical and biogeochemical lake processes, and how they are influenced by lake catchments and the climate. 

A major focus is on the ecology of phytoplankton. For instance, we are interested in how phytoplankton species composition and ecophysiology respond to global change, including climate warming and eutrophication. We are also interested in how phytoplankton influence and are influenced by other aquatic organisms, lake stratification, water temperature, oxygen concentration, and nutrient cycling.

The tools that we use include:

• Complex ecosystem models in 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D, including climate projections
• Simple conceptual models
• Statistical and time-series analysis
• Field work and long-term monitoring
• Laboratory experiments with phytoplankton cultures

Our research aims to improve our understanding of how lake ecosystems change over time and our ability to predict these changes in the short and long term. This will ultimately help society to better manage and protect lakes.