Potential Impact of Wind Farms on Great Lakes Water Temperatures

Session: Poster session

Soudeh Afsharian, York University, [email protected]
Peter Taylor, York University, [email protected]

Abstract

There will be large windfarms in the Great Lakes very soon. The potential impact of a wind farm on Lake Erie's hydrodynamic and thermal structure is investigated by using COHERENS (Coupled Hydro-dynamical Ecological model for Regional and Shelf Seas).

Algal blooms have been a growing problem for lake Erie since the 2000s, and can cause harm to the local ecosystem. Millions of people get drinking water from Lake Erie and the lake attracts millions of visitors for beaches and recreation. Many businesses stand to lose money during large algae blooms.

The presence of large wind farms on Lake Erie could affect the thermal structure of the lake, particularly during summer when a thermocline develops. Temperature increases, caused by lowered wind speeds and reduced mixing in the upper part of the water column, may be small, but could still impact algal bloom development. Algal blooms absorb sunlight, causing added heating so there is a potential positive feedback.

Ours is a preliminary study intended to raise awareness of the effect and to suggest that further investigation is needed in order to evaluate this issue and to seek ways to minimize any negative ecological impacts of this positive wind energy development.

1. Keyword
algae

2. Keyword
computer models

3. Keyword
Great Lakes basin

4. Additional Keyword
COHERENS

5. Additional Keyword
LAKE ERIE

6. Additional Keyword
WIND TURBINE WAKE