Holistic monitoring system measures the state of lake ecosystems

A new holistic monitoring system developed under the leadership of TU Graz measures boat waves with millimeter precision using satellite navigation data and sensors on buoys and for the first time allows investigations into the extent to which boat traffic, weather and other factors influence the ecosystem of lakes. Motorboats, sightseeing boats, shoreline obstructions and meteorological changes caused by climate change are putting lakes under increasing pressure. The weakening of lake ecosystems is reflected in a shift in species diversity and a decline in ecological functionality. This also affects three of Carinthia's largest lakes: Lake Wörthersee, Lake Ossiach and Lake Weißensee.