Instruments to monitor sediment in Iowa’s Storm Lake

Researchers from Iowa State University are conducting a water quality study to better understand how water depth and wind affect sediment distribution at the bottom of lakes, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has announced.

Working in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, researchers will use underwater monitoring equipment to monitor sediment resuspension in Iowa’s Storm Lake. Sediment is a major cause of water quality impairment in the region.

Dredging projects have been undertaken to help increase the lake’s depth. The water monitoring data will be used to help guide the dredging efforts and ultimately improve Storm Lake’s water clarity.

Image: Storm Lake (Credit: Denise Krebs, via Flickr)