Large Lakes Observatory
The Large Lakes Observatory is a research institute located in Duluth, Minnesota, USA which studies the major lakes of the world. The researchers focus on a variety of sciences including aquatic chemistry, geochemistry and paleoclimatology. Its stated purpose dedicates the LLO to "performing innovative, cross-disciplinary research, education, and outreach that advance scientific understanding of Earth’s large lakes for the benefit of society and the sustainability of freshwaters." The parent institution of LLO is the University of Minnesota Duluth.
History
The Large Lakes Observatory was founded in 1994, after a 1988 scientific and policy conference resulted in the formation of the "Institute for Lake Superior Research" which developed into the LLO. It moved into its present location in the Research Laboratory Building in Duluth, MN after a fire in the former Old Main campus building left the Model School building untouched. LLO moved into the Model School Building shortly thereafter. Past directors of LLO include Dr. Tom Johnson and Dr. Steve Colman.Scientific expeditions carried out by LLO scientists have visited all of the Laurentian Great Lakes, the East African Rift Lakes, Lake Issyk Kul, Lake Nicaragua, Lake Qinghai, Great Slave Lake, and others.