Using geological history of the Laurentian Great Lakes to better understand their future

Authors

C. F.M. Lewis, Geological Survey of Canada
D. K. Rea, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
J. B. Hubeny, Salem State University
T. A. Thompson, Indiana Geological and Water Survey
S. M. Blasco, Geological Survey of Canada
J. W. King, University of Rhode Island
M. Reddin, Salem State University
T. C. Moore, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-2010

Abstract

With growing use of numerical models to forecast lake conditions under future climates and other stressors, paleo-events in the history of the Great Lakes have greater potential for relevance. Past events and history may extend records of observations, provide estimates of the sensitivity of the lake system to stressing conditions, and contribute scenarios for model validation. Here we describe four examples that hold promise for improving understanding of the present and future Great Lakes: 1) using an event of lake closure to derive climate-hydrology sensitivity, 2) extending the record of lake-level history by examining beach ridge sequences, 3) investigating sedimentary black bands to indicate past anoxia at the lakebed in deep basins, and 4) deriving evidence of lake process teleconnections with atmospheric circulation. © 2010 AEHMS.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management

Volume

13

Issue

2

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Lewis, C. F., D. K. Rea, J. B. Hubeny, T. A. Thompson, S. M. Blasco, J. W. King, M. Reddin, and T. C. Moore. "Using geological history of the Laurentian Great Lakes to better understand their future." Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management 13, 2 (2010). doi: 10.1080/14634981003799950.