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Résumé :
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Moutain lakes are defined in this project as lakes, which by reason of altitude or latitude, are situated above the local coniferous tree-line. Remotely situated mountain lakes are excellent indicators of air pollution and its effects, because they are not influenced by other forms of disturbance (e.g. land-use or waste-water pollution), and because the geology, soils and relief of mountainous regions give rise to surface water ecosystems sensitive to acid deposition. Remote mountain lakes occur in many regions of Europe including the Norwegian Mountains, the Alps, the Pyrénées and the Scottish Caringorms. These regions receive different amounts of acid deposition and are likely to have subsequently affected to varying degrees. Variability in pollution and sensitivity within region is also to be expected. The main aims of the project are: - to better understand the functionning of remote lake ecosystems in view of their chemical history and susceptibility to air pollution loads.. - to use a relevant subgroup of these lakes as early response indicators of increasing or decreasing atmospheric pollution. To achieve the main aims and objectives seven institutins in four countries are in direct collaboration in four subject areas. For each subject area there is a coordinating institution and scientist, and together they form the steering committee for the overall project. The steering committee is responsible for quality assurance and the necessary intercalibrations between participants. The United Kingdom and Norway have overall administrative and scientific coordinator responsability respectively.
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