Penobscot Valley Senior College
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The Origins of Maine Lakes, their Characteristics, how they Function and Evolve, and their Future (In-Person Course 6-weeks)

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Maine’s 5,000+ lakes are “young”, all less than 16,000 years old. Since they were formed, largely by glacial processes, they have evolved chemically, biologically, and physically. What we see now is a snapshot in a 16,000 year film, recorded in accumulating lake sediments. We will develop an understanding of how lakes function in their initial physical setting, how they and their respective terrestrial watersheds evolve in their functioning, how humans have impacted lakes, and what we can expect because of climate change over the next few decades.

Steve is out of state the first normal week of the Senior College Spring term. Thus, we will start the week of April 3, and every week thereafter for a total of six weeks. If there is sufficient interest, we will take a field trip, after the six weeks, to a lovely nearby lake, check out some of the things we talked about in class, have a picnic, and then work our way home.

In kindness and consideration of our instructors and participants, Penobscot Valley Senior College expects that each student be up to date with vaccination against Covid-19 when attending in-person classes. PVSC will comply with Covid/masking policies of each location where we hold in-person classes and events. Masks will be available at all in-person classes.


Instructor: STEPHEN A. NORTON
Stephen is a retired University of Maine Professor Emeritus, in the School of Earth and Climate Sciences. His career (1968-present) has evolved from being a student of the solid earth to the field of environmental geochemistry.
His current research focuses on the interaction of water, geologic materials, and humans, under near-Earth surface conditions, including Maine lakes. Stephen tries hard to involve students in the topics we deal with in the class, and he tries equally hard to not just lecture. Student participation provides feedback during classes to assess how well the material is coming across. You will be asked friendly questions.

* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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