The Bering Glacier, located in south central Alaska, is the longest and largest glacier in North America. Its periods of recurrent surging and prolonged retreat contribute to the geological and biological diversity of the area, specifically to Vitus Lake, a dynamic glacial lake located at the southern perimeter of the glacier. Because very little information is known about the environmental processes involved when a glacier retreats at a rapid rate, this research seeks to fully understand the physical characteristics specific to Vitus Lake, including circulation, sedimentation and water exchange with the ocean. In addition, as part of a multi-disciplinary study, these physical findings will be combined with those of other geophysical and biological groups. This combination of results should provide a larger picture of the Bering Glacier and the ecological processes occurring there. 

A detailed bathymetry map of Vitus Lake is of particular importance for understanding each of these physical properties. The data from the 2001 and 2002 precision hydrographic surveys were used to produce a current map for comparison to historical bathymetric measurements. This analysis reveals the transformations in Vitus Lake, including changes in the elevation of the lake, and exposure of new portions of the lake due to glacial retreat. In addition the dynamic contour of the lakebed is largely responsible for the retention of saltwater, which contributes to a diverse ecological system.

Certain physical characteristics, including pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and turbidity act as biological indicators for animal and plant behavior, such as habitability and forage of certain areas of the lake. During August 2002, oceanic instrumentation was used to sample the lake water and analyze it for these indicators. Results showed significant vertical and horizontal distribution patterns of key physico-ecological indicators. 

Our findings indicate that Vitus Lake is comparable, in size, to a large inland lake of the world, with an outflow about one-tenth that of the Great Lakes. Thus far, our results have indicated that Vitus Lake contains numerous deep and wide basins, holding a substantial amount of saltwater capable of supporting wildlife unique to an oceanic environment. During the summer of 2003 the survey area of the lake will be expanded and further data collection will help to explain observed animal behavior.