Dr. John Smol

John Smol is one of the most prominent paleolimnologists in the world. His research has resulted in new techniques using microfossils, which estimate lake pH within a standard error of 0.3 units. He produced data that answered crucial questions such as "have lakes acidified?" and "if so, when and how much?". He has used paleolimnological techniques to establish the development and history of saline lakes and the effects of pollutants and climatic change on Arctic lakes. He has moved paleolimnology from a largely descriptive and esoteric science into a powerful and important analytical tool for effective lake management.