From Vegas to Boise: A Theme of Collaborative Research

Mark J. Rudin, Boise State University

Abstract

Lake Mead, USA serves as an excellent field laboratory for studying a number of environmental processes, including the distribution and rate of sediment deposition, the bioavailability of anthropogenic contaminants in water and sediment columns, and the impact of naturally-occurring events such as fires and floods on lake ecosystems. Attempts at understanding this body of water, critical to the viability of over 20 million people, requires expertise and experience across a substantial number of disciplines. A research team comprised of representatives from academia and several federal agencies collected lakefloor side-scan sonar and seismic reflection measurements, along with sediment cores, in various parts of Lake Mead to begin our understanding of sedimentation processes in this dynamic reservoir. Preliminary results of the work are presented along with lessons learned in assembling this truly interdisciplinary team. The principal investigator on this project will also discuss how and why this spirit of collaborative research exists today at Boise State University.