Project title: The lake of Kastoria with a different view

Team: The Lakers

6th Primary School of Kastoria   Kastoria   Greece   4 Student’s age: 10-11 years old

Changes observed in the lake of Kastoria (Orestiada) in relation to climatic parameters.
Μεταβολές που παρατηρούνται στη λίμνη της Καστοριάς (Ορεστιάδα) σε συνάρτηση με κλιματικές παραμέτρους.

In the framework of the project, changes of Lake Orestiada in terms of water level, surface temperature and temperature of the coastal zone were investigated, both by comparing the data of the months and seasons of the same year and data of different years. Initially we dealt with the lake water level, acidity, microorganisms, temperature, precipitation, snowfall, but finally we focused on the surface freezing of the lake water, for which we collected and analyzed data obtained from ground measurements of our team, local institutions, local blogs, books, testimonies and personal records of individuals and satellites. We studied the Kastoria weather record and climate comparison through meteoblue charts. We searched for images and other data in the EO Browser. We combined different methods and a variety of media to collect as much, higher quality and more relevant data as possible. We collaborated with expert scientists and local agencies. We visited the Environmental Education Centre of Kastoria and carried out field research under the guidance of the project leaders we attended.

It was quite difficult to find the necessary data via satellites on online platforms, especially for earlier years. In several search cases there were no results. The combination of various methods and means, as described in the summary, proved to be the best solution. Our research led us to the following general conclusion: in the past, the lake surface froze more frequently (more winters), earlier in the winter and for a longer period of time. The changes in meteorological conditions, the change in the global climate are also reflected in Lake Kastoria. The rise in temperature, compared to earlier years, is evident in the changes in the surface condition of the lake, as concluded through our research. In past decades, the people of Kastoria used the frozen lake for their travels, as well as for recreational activities. In modern winters, the surface rarely freezes to the extent that it is considered (marginally) safe for walking within a few meters of the shore. Climate change is a fact that has been a concern since the beginning of this research, but it is still a concern. For this reason, we believe that results of such surveys should be made public so that a wider public can be informed and take collective action to solve the problem.

Having gained new knowledge, having been led to new reflections and having found ways to contribute to solving the problems we identified, we decided to expand our action beyond the framework of this project. First of all, the publication of the results of our research is necessary to inform a wider public. In order to reduce the problems resulting from climate change, citizens should take action after being informed by reliable sources. The substantial reflection that will result from education and research on the issue will intensify our concern and energize us. Actions should be coordinated and collective, but this does not mean that everyone does not have the power to act individually to contribute in their own way to solving the problem. Action at the local level is usually easier and quite effective. It is advisable to seek information and express a sincere interest in education on specific issues, to which we will give due attention and due respect. Climate change has an impact everywhere, on all aspects of life on our planet and is a matter of concern to all of us. We can slow down climate change, possibly even reverse it, save our home planet and improve the quality of life.

Download project poster PDF

This project was automatically translated into English.
Projects are created by the teams and they take the full responsibility of the shared data.
← All projects