Explore the intersection of geophysical fluid dynamics, geometry, and ecology in this 32-minute conference talk presented by Dr. Shane Ross at the Banff International Research Station. Delve into techniques for uncovering transport barriers and structures in environmental flows, with a focus on their impact on fluid-borne microbial ecology and aeroecology. Learn about challenges in forecasting atmospheric Lagrangian coherent structures, including the effects of subgrid turbulence and ensemble averaging. Discover the concept of persistent barriers and their potential role in creating diverse microbial populations. Gain insights into practical applications such as early warning systems for invasive species and forecasting sudden ecosystem changes. Examine the global transport of desert dust and its ecological implications. This talk provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research at the intersection of nonlinear dynamics, dynamical systems, and environmental science.