B43B-0228:
A Survey of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Three Sub-arctic Lakes near Abisko, Sweden
Thursday, 18 December 2014
Jynessa Sampson1, Kristen Stilson1, Ruth K Varner2, Patrick M Crill3, Martin Wik4 and Maurice Crawford5, (1)Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC, United States, (2)Univ New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States, (3)Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden, (4)Stockholm University, Dept. of Geological Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden, (5)University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Department of Natural Sciences, Princess Anne, MD, United States
Abstract:
We surveyed the submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in three sub-arctic lakes (Mellan Harrsjön, Inre Harrsjön, and Villasjön) located near Abisko in northern Sweden. Samples were collected using an extended rake, after which they were photographed and the plants identified. We also collected environmental data including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and secchi depth. Percent cover of SAV was taken twice using a 0.5 m. quadrat in shallow areas to track the changes in vegetation growth over time. In addition, we tested surface sediment samples for grain size and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur composition. The percent cover of SAV in Mellan Harrsjön varied from 36%-49% and in Inre Harrsjön it averaged 19%. Across all three lakes, the average percent clay, silt, and sand was 3.8%, 50.1%, 46%, respectively. Because little research similar to this has been conducted in the area in such a comprehensive manner, these results are important to establish a baseline. Furthermore, these data will help establish how the SAV and environmental data may contribute to methane production and emission in these sub-arctic lakes.
