Analysis of the temporal variation of the physical-chemical and biological characteristics of the Lagos of the Cajas National Park (PNC)

The study of the temporary variability of the physicochemical and biological characteristics of a group of selected lakes of the Cajas National Park (PNC) is proposed, based on the results obtained in the project "Limnological characterization of the lakes and lagoons of the Cajas National Park" (EP-DIUC stage). This research will constitute a pioneer scientific contribution in the tropical Andes and is of interest due to the very particular characteristics of these water masses and their high organic carbon content, since they differ significantly from high mountain lacustrine systems in temperate areas. The study of these selected lakes with different communities of zooplankton and organic carbon concentrations (OC), will allow complementing the understanding of not only spatial variability, but temporary of the limnological characteristics of the PNC lakes and the influence of the OC on its ecology and operation. The main project activities include: (1) Monthly analysis of the physicochemical and biological parameters collected for a year of monitoring of a representative group of lakes with specific characteristics; (2) Analysis of the temporary variation of the productivity of the lakes and their relationship with the loads of nutrients and oC; (3) Analysis of the annual cycle of the Zooplankton community and the vertical migration processes; (4) Analysis of the temporal cycle of the stratification and mixing processes in these lakes; And (5) the development of a aggregate hydrological-hydraulic model for the calculation of water retention times in this type of lakes.

OUTSIDE THE CALL FOR PROPOSALS EXTERNAL FUNDS