Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS40 Long-Term Research Programs in the Twenty-first Century (Spatial and Temporal Connections)

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001, Time: 12:15:00 PM

Location: Ruidoso/Pecos

Larson, G, L, U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis OR, USA, Gary_L._Larson@usgs.gov

Rumsey, S, M, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR, USA, Scott_Rumsey@usgs.gov

Collier, R, , Oregon State University, Corvallis OR, USA, rcollier@oce.orst.edu

Buktenica, M, W, Crater Lake National Park, Crater Lake OR, USA, Mark_Buktenica@nps.gov

LONG-TERM MONITORING OF CRATER LAKE, OREGON

Prior to the formation of the Crater Lake Monitoring Program, the historical view of the ecosystem was one of limnological stability. The program was precipitated from observations in the 1970's that clarity and plankton community-composition had changed from its pristine state. Our continuing research has provided a more comprehensive and realistic view of the ecosystem. Lake clarity, nutrient inputs, as well as plankton species composition and abundance are not experiencing catastrophic change, but rather, are characterized by considerable intra- and interannual variability. As with other programs charged with long-term management and preservation, the challenge lies in resolving patterns of long-term ecosystem change (particularly anthropogenic change) from the considerable noise operating at shorter temporal scales. Ongoing investigations of the lake's physical-chemical processes, in concert with modelling of the ecosystem's complex physical-biological interactions and dynamics, are aimed at sensing long-term shifts through a mechanistic understanding of short-term variability. Additionally, there is the continuing reevaluation of methods - a balancing act between the value of a variable's next trend point and ensuring the most efficient use of program funds and personnel.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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