The Laurentian Great Lakes: A case study in ecological disturbance and climate change

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 486-499
Author(s):  
James E. McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Great Lakes ◽  
Laurentian Great Lakes ◽  
Ecological Disturbance

scholarly journals Deep chlorophyll maxima across a trophic state gradient: A case study in the Laurentian Great Lakes

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (10) ◽  
pp. 2460-2484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Scofield ◽  
James M. Watkins ◽  
Eric Osantowski ◽  
Lars G. Rudstam
Keyword(s):  
Great Lakes ◽  
Trophic State ◽  
Laurentian Great Lakes

scholarly journals Assessment of impacts of climate change on water resources – a case study of the Great Lakes of North America

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 3183-3209 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. McBean ◽  
H. Motiee
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Great Lakes ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Great Lakes Basin ◽  
Historical Trends ◽  
Change Models ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Abstract. Historical trends in precipitation, temperature, and streamflows in the Great Lakes are examined using regression analysis and Mann-Kendall statistics, with the result that many of these variables demonstrate statistically significant increases ongoing for a six decade period. Future precipitation rates as predicted using fitted regression lines are compared with scenarios from Global Climate Change Models (GCMs) and demonstrate similar forecast predictions for Lake Superior. Trend projections from historical data are, however, higher than GCM predictions for Michigan/Huron. Significant variability in predictions, as developed from alternative GCMs, is noted. Given the general agreement as derived from very different procedures, predictions extrapolated from historical trends and from GCMs, there is evidence that hydrologic changes in the Great Lakes Basin are likely the result of climate change.

scholarly journals SATELLITE OBSERVED WATER QUALITY CHANGES IN THE LAURENTIAN GREAT LAKES DUE TO INVASIVE SPECIES, ANTHROPOGENIC FORCING, AND CLIMATE CHANGE

2017 ◽  
Vol XLII-3/W2 ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Shuchman ◽  
K. R. Bosse ◽  
M. J. Sayers ◽  
G. L. Fahnenstiel ◽  
G. Leshkevich
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Great Lakes ◽  
Primary Productivity ◽  
Lake Superior ◽  
Water Clarity ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Water Quality Parameters ◽  
Laurentian Great Lakes

Long time series of ocean and land color satellite data can be used to measure Laurentian Great Lakes water quality parameters including chlorophyll, suspended minerals, harmful algal blooms (HABs), photic zone and primary productivity on weekly, monthly and annual observational intervals. The observed changes in these water quality parameters over time are a direct result of the introduction of invasive species such as the <i>Dreissena</i> mussels as well as anthropogenic forcing and climate change. Time series of the above mentioned water quality parameters have been generated based on a range of satellite sensors, starting with Landsat in the 1970s and continuing to the present with MODIS and VIIRS. These time series have documented the effect the mussels have had on increased water clarity by decreasing the chlorophyll concentrations. Primary productivity has declined in the lakes due to the decrease in algae. The increased water clarity due to the mussels has also led to an increase in submerged aquatic vegetation. Comparing water quality metrics in Lake Superior to the lower lakes is insightful because Lake Superior is the largest and most northern of the five Great Lakes and to date has not been affected by the invasive mussels and can thus be considered a control. In contrast, Lake Erie, the most southern and shallow of the Laurentian Great Lakes, is heavily influenced by agricultural practices (i.e., nutrient runoff) and climate change, which directly influence the annual extent of HABs in the Western Basin of that lake.

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