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Apr 16

16 Apr (GEOL) Robert Raynolds, Denver Basin Geology

Apr 16, 2026, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Apr 17

Analysis Seminar: The Spin and Loop O(N) Models

Apr 17, 2026, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Apr 17

CAGS: A characteristic-free approach to isolated singularities

Apr 17, 2026, 12:30 - 1:30 PM

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MS Thesis Defense - Environmental Science and Policy

Apr 15, 2026, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Virtual on Zoom - please register:
https://tinyurl.com/26u5h9jt

MS Thesis
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
College of Science
George Mason University

 

Candidate: Rwan Alsaadi
Defense Date and Time: April 15, 2026 at 1:00pm
Defense Location: Virtual on Zoom
Title: Seasonal dynamics of suspended algae in the North Fork Shenandoah River, VA

Thesis Director: Dr. Rosalina Stancheva Christova
Committee: Dr. Diego Valderrama, Dr. Marco Cantonati

 

ABSTRACT

 

We investigated suspended algal communities in the North Fork Shenandoah River using 36 samples collected monthly and during storm events in 2024 at two sites. A total of 159 taxa were identified, belonging mainly to cyanobacteria, diatoms, and green algae. Total cell density and chlorophyll a were generally low but increased during storm events. Diatoms dominated most of the year, while cyanobacteria increased in summer and early fall. Although planktonic taxa were most diverse, benthic and epiphytic diatoms were most abundant in the water column. Communities exhibited clear seasonal turnover with limited site separation, driven primarily by water temperature and discharge.

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