Project title: THE WATERWAY FROM THE SEA TO NEPTUNE

Team: Climate Detectives Mt. Olympus

Diou 29   Litochoro   Greece   12 Student’s age: 14-15 years old

How does climate change (increase in average temperatures, increase in African dust, reduction of snow cover on Mount Olympus) affect the pollution of the coastal zone of Mount Olympus, resulting in more frequent unsightly phenomena of eutrophication, water degradation and, in general, the tourist product of the area.
Πώς επηρεάζει η κλιματική αλλαγή (αύξηση μέσων θερμοκρασιών, αύξηση της αφρικανικής σκόνης, ελάττωση της χιονοκάλυψης του Ολύμπου) την ρύπανση της παράκτιας ζώνης του Ολύμπου με αποτέλεσμα συχνότερα αντιαισθητικά φαινόμενα ευτροφισμού, υποβάθμισης των υδάτων και γενικότερα του τουριστικού προϊόντος της περιοχής.

Climate change has resulted in ever increasing temperatures with more episodes of African dust transport during the winter season on Mount Olympus, causing a dramatic decrease in the snow cover of Mount Olympus, resulting in a shorter and earlier recharge period for the underground and surface aquifers (April-May).
Our hypothesis is that in recent years, groundwater recharge has been incomplete, resulting in significant quantities of water being deprived of recharge in the coastal zone and the ability to dissolve and repel harmful substances is reduced. This, combined with the higher temperatures of the coastal sea masses due to the absence of the ‘clean and cold’ waters of Mount Olympus, probably favour the eutrophication phenomenon.
The aim of our work is to study the validity of our hypothesis, especially in the correlation between the phenomenon of coastal zone eutrophication and the reduction of water in the hydrological cycle.
We use the sentinel-hub.com website and consult MODIS satellite images as well as Sentinel2 NDSI filter images for the extent of snow cover on Mount Olympus in recent years, combine field data from weather stations and field observations by climbers for African dust transport phenomena, and with Sentinel2 satellite images combine NDVI filter imagery with field observations of eutrophication phenomena (unsightly foams on beaches). In the first stage of our investigations, we try to find correlations between the actual data and the satellite data. In a second stage, we combine satellite images showing pronounced eutrophication with on-site measurements using a special photometer to measure chlorophyll, nitrate and phosphate in seawater on the respective days. The ultimate goal is to correlate all these data with each other to draw conclusions about the causes of in situ eutrophication or whether it is transported from other areas.

The first objective set by the team was to fully understand the topic and the reflection. By dividing the paper into five thematic sections (Climate Change, Eutrophication, The Water Cycle, The Greenhouse Effect, Biological Purification) and examining these, we were able to deepen this knowledge and move towards the main question. Thus, materials related to the above topics were posted on the members’ collaborative platform.
After completing the educational process, we moved on to the experimental one. First, we collected satellite images and composed two comparative videos: (see our website). Based on the timelapse video, we combined the dates of field observations in previous months and found a complete match between the satellite images and these observations.
The research continued by correlating the snow cover of Mount Olympus with the incidence of eutrophication per year.
A first observation is that in years when the snow melted faster, eutrophication phenomena were increased. However, more factors need to be studied to draw conclusions, since we found that eutrophication is quite extensive in the Thermaikos Gulf region, and is therefore influenced by conditions in the wider region of central Macedonia, not only by local conditions.
Water samples were taken and a chlorophyll measurement was made in the coastal zone. Measurements will continue to be taken.
The results of the first measurements and comparative videos can be found on our team’s website along with other information about how we worked and the partnerships we made.
The period when eutrophication in particular, is the warmest months, so the main conclusions of our research will be completed after the end of our specific participation in ESERO. We have developed relationships with institutions and universities that will professionally orient students and raise awareness of the problems of climate change.

The study that we have started to do requires much more observation time. We will continue this throughout the year since our student group is excited about the scientific knowledge they are gaining through engaging in scientific methods and investigations. Their awareness of climate issues will help to highlight and address climate issues in the local and wider community. We also develop partnerships with institutions and universities that help in the vocational orientation of students. The attached website will present all the research and results to follow.

https://sites.google.com/view/climate-detectives-mt-olympus/

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This project was automatically translated into English.
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