Large lakes of northern Canada: Emerging research in a globally-important fresh water resource

Canada's lakes and rivers account for approximately 20% of the world's freshwater resources, with much of this water held in large northern lakes and their expansive watersheds. These lakes have been the focus of curiosity, beginning with early exploratory expeditions of pre-confederation Canada with scientific investigation peaking in the 1950s, after which interest dropped precipitously and remained low for the next 50years. However, since …