Duck Lake

Purpose / Scientific Focus

Groundwater  •  Groundwater Storage  •  Recharge

The Duck Lake research site is in central Saskatchewan within the Boreal Transition Ecozone, where agricultural land mixes with boreal forest. The area has a semi-arid climate, with most water entering the system through winter snow accumulation and spring snowmelt, while high summer evapotranspiration often removes much of the rainfall before it can recharge soils or groundwater.

The site sits on sandy soils that contain a shallow unconfined aquifer and a deeper confined aquifer that is part of the regional Hatfield Aquifer system. Because of its strong seasonal water cycle and long-term monitoring record, the site is well suited for studying how snowmelt, soil moisture, groundwater, and climate interact to control water storage and recharge in the southern boreal region.