While increasingly studied, the effects of climate change on lakes are still not widely understood. In fact, recent research suggests that lake response to climate change is dependent on the lake’s physical and biochemical functioning. Simply put, eutrophic lakes will respond differently to oligotrophic lakes. Thus, it is necessary to study numerous lakes to understand the drivers and feedback typically. Recently, we undertook a study “Stratification strength and light climate explain variation in chlorophyll a at the continental scale in the European Multi Lake Survey in a heatwave summer” (Donis and 200+ coauthors, L&O, 2021) investing the effect of nutrients and climate on algal variation. Using a team science approach inspired by GLEON, the EMLS snapshot approach, led by Dr. Evanthia Mantzouki in which 100s of – mainly young – European scientists participated, studied lake phytoplankton in 230 lakes spanning three climactic zones on the European continent. Here, we will provide a summary of the key findings from the study of Donis et al. We will also address the benefits and challenges of team science in addressing this, and similar research topics, studying nutrient and climate effects on lakes. Finally, we will highlight recent findings on the links between climate change and lake trophic status, mixing regimes and future research directions.

Primary Presenter: Bastiaan Ibelings, University of Geneva (daniel.mcginnis@unige.ch)

Authors:

Bastiaan Ibelings, University of Geneva  (bastiaan.ibelings@unige.ch)

Daniel McGinnis, University of Geneva  (daniel.mcginnis@unige.ch)

Daphne Donis, University of Geneva  (daphne.donis@gmail.com)

Evanthia Mantzouki, University of Geneva  (evanthia.mk@gmail.com)