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Fingerprinting for Lake Clues
Story supplied by LU Press Office
Magnetic fingerprints are marking out a 'crime' scene in Bassenthwaite where scientist detectives are hunting the origins of destructive sediment.
Leading the search are Lancaster University's Professor Barbara Maher and researcher Rob Hatfield, who say the lake - listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest - is a jewel in the Lake District landscape.
"Although home to one of only two UK populations of vendace, these endangered fish are in serious decline, partly through fine sediment coming into the lake, which silts up their spawning grounds," said Professor Maher.
"If we can trace where this sediment is coming from, it might be possible to put measures in place to prevent it."
Nineteen sample containers are currently in streams and becks flowing into Bassenthwaite. They catch some of the river sediment, particularly after heavy rain, when the amount from surrounding fields and fells increases.
The research has been funded by Lancaster University through its 40th Anniversary Studentship awards.
"Each waterway has very different magnetic fingerprints making it possible to identify the major culprits," said the professor.
"Previously thought unimportant, Newlands Beck - where there are steep slopes and spoil heaps from previous mineral mines - may carry significant amounts of silt and mud. Modifications to riverbanks prevent them being deposited on flood plains naturally, pushing them straight through to the lake.
"It's great new scientific approaches can be used to contribute to our understanding of how sediment moves from the fells to the lake. Once the trouble spots are identified, they can be dealt with."
Funding is now being sought to carbon date the oldest silt layers in the lake bed.
It could reveal up to 8,000 years of information, showing differences in climate, human activity and river changes over the millennia.
Thu 24 May 2007
Associated Links
- Geography Department - The Geography Department's home page
- Lancaster Environment Centre - Innovation, training and research for a sustainable future
Latest News
Geography student sets up film company
It is well known that Geography graduates are highly employable and use their degrees in many different ways. One of the more unusual we have heard about recently is Lancaster geographer Greg Tomaszewicz who has set up his own Video Production Company - Lanor Productions.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
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Eco-innovation businesses invited to attend pioneering project launch
Ambitious North West SMEs keen to drive forward eco-innovative ideas and products are invited to a major event in Manchester on March 4.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
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First Science and Technology Business Partnerships and Enterprise Annual Report 2011-2012 available to download now
2011-2012 saw the development of a new theme-based strategy for Business Partnerships and Enterprise in Science and Technology. The seven interdisciplinary themes are: Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Environment, Health and Human Development, Information and Communication Technologies, Quantum Technology and Security. Each theme has dedicated professional staff to work with businesses and source the expertise they need.
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The concept of a new university website, complete with mobile application, to capture the campus social scene at a glance, earned an enterprising student an iPad.
Story supplied by LU Press Office
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