Spring 2024 • Issue 21

Water on the Move

Published May 2024

With the theme Water on the move, this issue examines the dynamic physical forces moving water through the Great Lakes. It clarifies the distinction between storm surges and seiches, explores the formation of massive salt deposits in the Dead Sea, and projects how warming climates may alter Lake Ontario's thermal stratification and mixing cycles. Additional topics include the hazards of meteotsunamis, the release of phosphorus during seiche events in coastal wetlands, and the tracking of plastic pollution using GPS-equipped drifters.

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Features

Meteotsunamis in the Great Lakes

An overview of meteotsunamis, atmospheric-generated waves that pose hazards to Great Lakes beachgoers and mariners, and the challenges in forecasting these events.

The art of moving water

A personal reflection on sailing the Great Lakes, capturing the beauty and power of water movement through photography and stories of the Chicago to Mackinac race.

How might the thermal stratification in Lake Ontario change as the climate warms?

Analysis of recent warm winters in Lake Ontario suggests a shift in mixing and stratification patterns, with profound implications for oxygen levels, nutrient cycling, and fish habitats.

Tiny water motions lead to big impacts

Research in the Dead Sea reveals how tiny water motions and double-diffusive instabilities create massive salt deposits, offering insights into ancient geological events and coastal erosion.

Storm surges and seiches

A clear distinction between storm surges (driven by wind and pressure) and seiches (oscillatory responses), explaining their different dynamics and impacts on Great Lakes coastal communities.

Departments

In Memoriam

Brian Eadie

A tribute to Brian Eadie (1944–2024), a respected leader in Great Lakes biogeochemistry and sediment resuspension research who mentored generations of scientists at NOAA GLERL.

Research Brief

Observing surface water currents and plastic pollution transport using GPS-tracked drifters

GPS-tracked drifters reveal how surface currents and wind transport plastic pollution in Nottawasaga Bay, Georgian Bay, highlighting accumulation zones and fragmentation risks.

Research Brief

The impact of seiche events on phosphorous dynamics in Lake Ontario coastal wetlands

Seiche events in Lake Ontario can resuspend sediments and release sequestered phosphorus into the water column, impacting nutrient retention in coastal wetlands.