SEMINAR: Soil and Water Seminars 2010 (SEE): Weds Aug 11:

Dr. Matt Hipsey, Research Asst. Prof. at School of Earth and Environment (SEE), will give the talk outlined below on Weds Aug 11th at 4pm.

All welcome!

ABSTRACT: Significant hydro-climatological change in South-Eastern Australia has resulted in a dramatic reduction in flow dynamics of the Lower River Murray and Lower Lakes of South Australia. The reduced flows have led to increased stratification in river pools, reduced flushing, and unprecedented water level decline as evaporative losses are now significantly higher than inflows. The changes in flow regime have led to marked changes in water quality. Seasonal patterns of nutrient and resource delivery have changed, and evapoconcentration of dissolved salts in the lower lakes has altered salinity concentrations and distribution. Acidification of parts of the system due to exposure of acid sulfate soils has created a significant management challenge due to the potential for low pH and dissolved metal release to impact adversely on lake ecology. To support quantification of water quality changes and contribute to management decision-making, a high resolution, process-based, 3D coupled hydrodynamic-geochemical-biological model has been developed. The model is used to understand how the lake is responding to changing flows and engineering interventions, and to study the potential effects of seawater entrance into the lake system to mitigate acid sulfate soil risks.