Atlas of Alberta Lakes

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

This volume would be more accurately described as an encyclopedia than
as an atlas. Maps make up but a small part of its content. Five years in
the making, the atlas brings together data from dispersed sources (many
of which are previously unpublished) to create concise profiles of 100
selected Alberta lakes.

Part 1 is a textbook introduction to Alberta limnology. In this part,
drainage basin characteristics, lake basin characteristics, water
quality, and biological characteristics of Alberta’s lakes are
described in general terms. In Part 2, these topics form the core of the
individual lake profiles.

Part 2 is arranged by 12 major drainage basins, with lake profiles
organized alphabetically within each basin. In addition to physical and
biological characteristics, each profile contains information specific
to the lake. This may include historical data as well as information
relating to access, development, and recreational and industrial use.
Text is supplemented by charts, tables graphs, maps, and photographs.
Each profile concludes with a substantial reference list.

The authors and editors have done a good job of synthesizing a great
deal of scientific data into a useful and readable form. The atlas will
be invaluable to students of Alberta limnology from high school to the
research level, and to recreational users of Alberta’s lakes.