scholarly journals Increases in Great Lake winds and extreme events facilitate interbasin coupling and reduce water quality in Lake Erie

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidin Jabbari ◽  
Josef D. Ackerman ◽  
Leon Boegman ◽  
Yingming Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation ◽  
Phosphorus Concentration ◽  
Wave Power ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Total Phosphorus Concentration ◽  
Western Basin

AbstractClimate change affects physical and biogeochemical processes in lakes. We show significant increases in surface-water temperature (~ 0.5 °C decade−1; > 0.2% year−1) and wave power (> 1% year−1; the transport of energy by waves) associated with atmospheric phenomena (Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Multivariate El Niño/Southern Oscillation) in the month of August between 1980 and 2018 in the Laurentian Great Lakes. A pattern in wave power, in response to extreme winds, was identified as a proxy to predict interbasin coupling in Lake Erie. This involved the upwelling of cold and hypoxic (dissolved oxygen < 2 mg L−1) hypolimnetic water containing high total phosphorus concentration from the seasonally stratified central basin into the normally well-mixed western basin opposite to the eastward flow. Analysis of historical records indicate that hypoxic events due to interbasin exchange have increased in the western basin over the last four decades (43% in the last 10 years) thus affecting the water quality of the one of the world’s largest freshwater sources and fisheries.

scholarly journals Does behavioural thermoregulation underlie seasonal movements in Lake Erie walleye?

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 488-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham D. Raby ◽  
Christopher S. Vandergoot ◽  
Todd A. Hayden ◽  
Matthew D. Faust ◽  
Richard T. Kraus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lake Erie ◽  
Seasonal Migration ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Behavioural Thermoregulation ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Eastern Basin ◽  
Temperature Records ◽  
Thermal Preferences

Thermoregulation is presumed to be a widespread determinant of behaviour in fishes, but has not often been investigated as a mechanism shaping long-distance migrations. We used acoustic telemetry and animal-borne thermal loggers to test the hypothesis that seasonal migration in adult walleye (Sander vitreus) in Lake Erie is size- and (or) sex-specific and related to behavioural thermoregulation. Female walleye migrated out of the warm, shallow western basin earlier than did males and were 1.8 times more likely to be detected on acoustic receivers in the deeper and cooler eastern basin. The few fish that remained in the western basin were restricted to a smaller range of higher temperatures (≥20 °C) than those that migrated to the central and eastern basins (∼16–21 °C). However, temperature records from walleye in the central basin were nearly indistinguishable from those in the eastern basin, suggesting thermal preferences alone could not explain migration to the eastern basin. As such, our effort to understand the mechanisms that cause migratory behaviours has generated mixed evidence on the role of temperature and that factors like foraging opportunities may have synergistic roles in the migration.

Water Quality, Phosphorus Budgets and Management of Dune Lakes Used for Recreation in Queensland (Australia)

1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Arthington ◽  
G. J. Miller ◽  
P. M. Outridge
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Total Phosphorus ◽  
Trophic Status ◽  
Compartment Model ◽  
Phosphorus Concentration ◽  
Lake Depth ◽  
Total Phosphorus Concentration ◽  
Dune Lakes ◽  
Phosphorus Budgets ◽  
Recreational Use

The water quality and trophic status of two Queensland dune lakes are compared in the context of assessing the impacts of recreational use and other human activities. Lake Freshwater, Cooloola, has a mean total phosphorus concentration of 12.1 ± 3.3 µg l−1 and is approaching mesotrophic status, whereas Blue Lagoon, Moreton Island, is oligotrophic. Natural loadings of total phosphorus, ranging from 0.2 to 0.35 g m−2 yr−1, are consistent with the progression of Lake Freshwater from oligotrophic to mesotrophic status. The phosphorus loadings predicted by Vollenweider's (1976) one-compartment model, for two values of mean lake depth, also indicate that Lake Freshwater is tending towards eutrophic conditions. The management implications of phosphorus loadings and budgets are discussed.

Surficial Sediments of Lake Erie

1976 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Thomas ◽  
J.-M. Jaquet ◽  
A. L. W. Kemp ◽  
C. F. M. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Sediment Accretion ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Grab Sampling ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Basin Region ◽  
Skewness And Kurtosis

On the basis of extensive echosounding and grab sampling, three major units have been recognized in Lake Erie: till and bedrock, glaciolacustrine clay, and postglacial muds. These units represent the late glacial and postglacial evolution of the basin and occur in an offshore younging sequence. The main basin of the lake is subdivided by residual glacial moraines into four depositional basins: Western, Sandusky, Central, and Eastern basins. The sediment texture has been defined by moment measures (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis), the trends of which are related to the mixing of two primary grain-size populations in the sand- and clay-size ranges. A third grain-size mode in the silt size, composed of fine quartz with some carbonate, has been recognized. This mode has a modifying effect on the symmetry of the two primary populations and may, to some extent, be sufficiently abundant to behave as a discrete population. The trends in the textural characteristics, particularly skewness and kurtosis, have been utilized to define energy regimes at the sediment–water interface which indicates three distinct sedimentary or hydraulic regions: 1) Western basin region — Fine-grained sediment accretion in shallow water related to an imbalance in sediment budget, with high input loadings of fine-grained sediment, and deficit in coarse materials, with an excess of input over sediment export to the Central basin region. This results in net sediment accretion in shallow water with texture in disequilibrium with environmental energy, which produces mixing and suspension, followed by redeposition; 2) Central basin region — West to East coarsening of sediment in textural equilibrium with hydraulic energy, as it relates to increasing fetch under westerly and southwesterly prevailing winds; 3) Eastern basin region — Deepwater basin with sediments showing decreasing size offshore with increasing water depth. The deepwater sediment is modified by the influx of substantial quantities of the silt-size material derived from shoreline erosion in the north shore of the Central basin region.The interrelationships of parameters indicate textural dependence on mineralogic composition, particularly important being the relationship of clay concentration to mean grain size. This has particular value in modelling the physical behavior of clay-associated geochemical elements such as phosphorus.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Chlorophyll a and Pheopigments in Surface Waters of Lake Erie

1974 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter A. Glooschenko ◽  
James E. Moore ◽  
Richard A. Vollenweider
Keyword(s):  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Zooplankton Abundance ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Oligotrophic Water

Chlorophyll a analyses including pheopigments were made on water samples taken on 10 cruises on Lake Erie between April and December, 1970. The highest mean chlorophyll a values of approximately 11 μg/liter occurred in the mid-Western Basin, with a second maximum of 6 μg/liter off Erie, Pennsylvania. The southern shore is also characterized by high values of chlorophyll to the east of Cleveland, Ohio. The lowest yearly means were found in the eastern portion of the Central Basin and most of the Eastern Basin (approximately 3 μg/liter.) Ratios of chlorophyll a between the Eastern, Central, and Western basins have a yearly mean of 1:1.4:2.8, respectively; with maximum differences in the summer, i.e. late August, the ratio was 1:1.5:7.2.Pheopigment concentration in the surface waters reached a maximum in late October corresponding to the fall overturn of the lake and subsequent resuspension of organic matter containing degradation products from the bottom of the lake. No significant correlation was found between zooplankton abundance and pheopigment concentration as in other water bodies studied. This may indicate that zooplankton food chains are primarily detrital in Lake Erie, with grazing of living phytoplankton playing a lesser role compared with more oligotrophic water bodies.

A Phosphorus Budget for Lake Erie

1976 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 564-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. M. Burns ◽  
J. D. H. Williams ◽  
J.-M. Jaquet ◽  
A. L. W. Kemp ◽  
D. C. L. Lam
Keyword(s):  
Total Phosphorus ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Phosphorus Retention ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Eastern Basin ◽  
Phosphorus Budget ◽  
Natural Origin ◽  
Lake Bottom ◽  
Entire Lake

A budget for phosphorus retention in Lake Erie during 1970 has been drawn up. Phosphorus associated with sand-sized particles (> 63 μm) was excluded. Retention of apatite phosphorus (AP) and nonapatite phosphorus (NAP) within each of the three basins of the lake (Western, Central, and Eastern) was estimated in each case by two independent methods. The two estimates of retention of total phosphorus within the entire lake agreed to within 9.5% of their mean. The estimates of AP retention within the Western basin also agreed well. However, the input–output balance estimates of AP retention in the Central basin and of NAP retention in the Western and Central basins greatly exceeded the corresponding sedimentation values, while in the Eastern basin this pattern was reversed. The AP discrepancy was attributed to unobserved transport of AP from the Central to the Eastern basin via nearshore currents past Long Point, while the NAP discrepancies were largely attributed to eastward movement of NAP through the lake within about 2 m of the lake bottom. The total amount of phosphorus retained within the lake in 1970 was 41,000 metric tons, or about 92% of input. AP of natural origin and inert nature accounted for approximately 44% of the total phosphorus retained. A reduction in anthropogenic phosphorus input of about 15,000 metric tons/yr, as called for in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, will reduce present annual NAP loading to close to pre-1850 values.

Seasonal Distribution and Abundance of Crustacean Zooplankton in Lake Erie, 1970

1976 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 612-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. H. F. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Lake Erie ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Horizontal Distribution ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Crustacean Zooplankton ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Algal Abundance ◽  
Peak Abundance ◽  
Life Cycle Patterns

The lakewide horizontal distribution and seasonal abundance of the cyclopoids, cladocerans, and calanoids in Lake Erie from April to December 1970, are presented.Over much of the year cyclopoids dominated by Diacyclops bicuspidatus thomasi were most numerous with offshore centers of abundance. Several species of cladocerans, often with short peaks of occurrence, were most abundant during summer in the Western basin and associated with south shore population centers in the Central basin. Calanoids were frequently much less abundant than either of the two groups but present in the same areas as the cladocerans.Most species present were short-lived with a high reproductive potential. Environmental clues are postulated to control specific abundance making group numbers more constant. Several life-cycle patterns were evident including species with spring–fall maxima and those with a single peak.Timing of peak abundance of certain species and groups varies from west to east in the same fashion as temperature differences giving rise to east–west gradients of abundance which change with season. Cladoceran and calanoid groups show similarities in distribution pattern with estimates of particulate organic material rather than with algal abundance resulting in north–south gradients of abundance.

Establishment of White Perch, Morone americana, in Lake Erie

1977 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1039-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolf-Dieter N. Busch ◽  
David H. Davies ◽  
Stephen J. Nepszy
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
White Perch ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Morone Americana ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Widespread Distribution

White perch, Morone americana, was first reported in Lake Erie in 1953. No further reports of capture were recorded until 1973, when one fish was taken. Three other captures were confirmed in 1974, and 34 in 1975. All but 3 of the 38 specimens were taken in the warm, shallow western basin and the extreme eastern end of the central basin. The widespread distribution and the sizable numbers of specimens collected in 1975 strongly indicate that this nonendemic species has become established in Lake Erie. Key words: white perch, range, Lake Erie

A Simple Method for Predicting the Capacity of a Lake for Development Based on Lake Trophic Status

1975 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 1519-1531 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Dillon ◽  
F. H. Rigler
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Total Phosphorus ◽  
Water Budget ◽  
Trophic Status ◽  
Phosphorus Concentration ◽  
Phosphorus Load ◽  
Secchi Disc ◽  
Total Phosphorus Concentration ◽  
Lake Trophic Status

A general technique is presented for calculating the capacity of a lake for development based on quantifiable relationships between nutrient inputs and water quality parameters reflecting lake trophic status. Use of the technique for southern Ontario lakes is described. From the land use and geological formations prevalent in a lake’s drainage basin, the phosphorus exported to the lake in runoff water can be calculated, which, when combined with the input directly to the lake’s surface in precipitation and dry fallout, gives a measure of the natural total phosphorus load. From the population around the lake, the maximum artificial phosphorus load to the lake can be calculated and, if necessary, modified according to sewage disposal facilities used. The sum of the natural and artificial loads can be combined with a measure of the lake’s morphometry expressed as the mean depth, the lake’s water budget expressed as the lake’s flushing rate, and the phosphorus retention coefficient of the lake, a parameter dependent on both the lake’s morphometry and water budget, to predict springtime total phosphorus concentration in the lake. Long-term average runoff per unit of land area, precipitation, and lake evaporation data for Ontario provide a means of calculating the necessary water budget parameters without expensive and time-consuming field measurements. The predicted spring total phosphorus concentration can be used to predict the average chlorophyll a concentration in the lake in the summer, and this, in turn, can be used to estimate the Secchi disc transparency. Thus, the effects of an increase in development on a lake’s water quality can be predicted. Conversely, by setting limits for the "permissible" summer average chlorophyll a concentration or Secchi disc transparency, the "permissible" total phosphorus concentration at spring overturn can be calculated. This can be translated into "permissible" artificial load, which can then be expressed as total allowable development. This figure can be compared to the current quantity of development and recommendations made concerning the desirability of further development on the lake.

Primary Production in Lakes Ontario and Erie: A Comparative Study

1974 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter A. Glooschenko ◽  
James E. Moore ◽  
Mohiuddin Munawar ◽  
R. A. Vollenweider
Keyword(s):  
Primary Production ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Lake Ontario ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Eastern Basin ◽  
Production Values ◽  
Rate Of Increase

Primary production values in Lake Ontario were low in winter, reached a maximum in midspring, declined during summer, and slightly increased in fall. Rate of increase of production for inshore waters (< 20 m depth) was greater especially in spring and early summer with a greater maximum reached earlier than in offshore waters. Assimilation numbers, mgC fixed/mg chlorophyll a per hour, in Lake Ontario were fairly constant over the lake with a yearly range of 1.2–1.6. Primary production showed a linear relationship to chlorophyll a concentration, as also occurred in Lake Erie.Lake Erie primary production varied in its three basins. Seasonally, in the Eastern Basin, production was highest in spring with a midsummer decline, and small peaks in fall. The Western Basin had a maximum in midsummer whereas the Central Basin had peaks in late summer and early fall. Assimilation numbers were highest in the Western Basin (up to 3.5 mgC/mg chlorophyll a per hour) and lowest in the mid-Central Basin and Eastern Basin with values of approximately 1.4 mgC/mg chlorophyll a per hour. A definite westerly increase of assimilation number was observed.Up to early summer, the two lakes were fairly equal in surface production but integral photosynthesis, mgC/m2 per hour was higher in Lake Ontario than in Lake Erie. The same was valid in November and December. In summer, Lake Erie was higher in production on both a mgC/m3 per hour and mgC/m2 per hour basis. For the period, April–December, Lake Ontario's total estimated yield was 170 gC/m2, whereas for Lake Erie values of 160, 210, and 310 gC/m2 were found for the Eastern, Central, and Western basins, respectively.

scholarly journals Modeling sources of variation for growth and predatory demand of Lake Erie walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), 1986-1995

1999 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark W Kershner ◽  
Denise M Schael ◽  
Roger L Knight ◽  
Roy A Stein ◽  
Elizabeth A Marschall
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Specific Consumption ◽  
Stizostedion Vitreum ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Variable Nature ◽  
Sources Of Variation

Given the variable nature of the Lake Erie ecosystem, we investigated biotic and abiotic sources of variation for walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) growth, consumption, and population-wide predatory demand. We determined how temperature, population structure, and age-specific consumption influenced walleye growth and consumption during 1986-1995. For each year, we used individual-based bioenergetics modeling to compare growth and consumption by walleye in Lake Erie's western or central basin with those of walleye moving seasonally between basins. Population structure strongly affected walleye growth and consumption but had little influence on interbasin growth rate comparisons. Based on water temperature alone, growth and consumption by western basin walleye were generally lower than for central basin or migratory populations and were more limited by summer water temperatures. In simulations combining effects of population structure, temperature, and age-specific consumption, migratory walleye grew most rapidly, taking advantage of temperature-related growth peaks in both basins. Estimates of walleye predatory demand declined with population size from 1988 through 1995. With natural feedbacks, predatory demand interacts with prey production, limiting walleye reproductive potential when prey availability is low. However, immediate impact on predatory inertia is limited, complicating our ability to predict how predatory demand and prey availability interact in Lake Erie.

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