Summer hydrodynamics of Lake Erie: observations and modeling during upwelling events

Session: Physical Processes in Lakes (1)

Dmitry Beletsky, CIGLR, SEAS, University of Michigan, [email protected]
Raisa Beletsky, CIGLR, University of Michigan, [email protected]
Eric Anderson, NOAA/GLERL, [email protected]
Mark Rowe, NOAA GLERL, [email protected]
Steve Ruberg, NOAA - GLERL, [email protected]
Thomas Johengen, CILER, University of Michigan, [email protected]
Craig Stow, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, [email protected]

Abstract

Prediction of coastal upwellings in Lake Erie depends on the ability of hydrodynamic models to accurately simulate nearshore lake circulation and thermal structure (e.g. position of hypolimnion). In summer 2017, temperature and currents were measured at several locations in the central basin in order to study changes in lake thermal structure and circulation during upwelling events. Several such events were identified and linked with occurrence of north-easterly winds. In addition, a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model (FVCOM) was used to derive basin-wide temperature and circulation patterns for different types of meteorological forcing. Model results were compared with observations of currents and temperature at moorings. Accuracy of wind forcing was found to be critical for prediction of upwelling.