See full version: Are the great lakes blue water
Results of this study, "The backscattering coefficient and its components in the Great Lakes: A review and synthesis," are reported by Steven Effler, Feng Peng, David O�Donnell, and Christopher Strait in Volume 39, Supplemental Issue on Remote Sensing, of the Journal of Great Lakes Research, published by Elsevier, 2013. here
For information about the Journal of Great Lakes Research, contact Stephanie Guildford, Scientific Co-Editor, Large Lakes Observatory, University Minnesota Duluth, 2205 East Fifth Street, Duluth, Minnesota, 55812-2401; llo.jglr@gmail.com; (218) 726-8064. [links]
The study of water color helps scientists link its variability to the dynamics of water constituents, mainly phytoplankton and suspended non-algal particles. And there is a tremendous interest in developing the capability to interpret the water color, especially the remote-sensed, for retrieving material concentrations. "Inland water systems are inherently more complex than oceanic waters, for which phytoplankton largely account for the observed ocean color." says Dr. Steven Effler, the Director of Research of the Upstate Freshwater Institute (Syracuse, New York). "In order to develop remote-sensing retrieval algorithms appropriate for inland waters where multiple and uncorrelated components are responsible for water color, we need more details to partition backscattering into contributing components, namely phytoplankton and non-algal particulates." more
For more information about the study, contact Steven Effler, Upstate Freshwater Institute, PO Box 506, Syracuse, New York 13206; sweffler@upstatefreshwater.org; (315) 431-4962. here
Dr. Effler and his coauthors have conducted comprehensive �ground-truthing� surveys in the Great Lakes over the years for better understanding of their optical variability. They have employed a holistic approach (field and laboratory measurements), including a unique technique of individual particle analysis of mineral particles, to characterize and quantify the backscattering components. The resulting data and associated analyses will be invaluable for developing and testing mechanistic remote-sensing algorithms for the Great Lakes. here
Osprey can feel at home in a wide range of habitats, as long as they have access to water. In fact, they can survive on all continents except Antarctica, a breadth which is unusual for land birds.
Belted Kingfishers can be found near inland bodies of waters or coasts. They are fond of perching atop tall riverside trees, branches, posts, or any other high vantage point. That way, they have a good view of the water (and tasty treats in the water, like small fish, amphibians, and crustaceans). here
When you’re walking along the shore of a lake or kayaking down a river, don’t forget to appreciate the many birds who make their homes by the water. Point Pelee in Lake Erie is a prime spot for birdwatching, especially in the spring. You can also check out Whitefish Point in Lake Superior and Tommy Thompson Park in Lake Ontario.
This graceful bird is the largest in the Heron family. Great Blue Herons can be found strutting along the shores of open water or in wetlands (or standing very still for a very long time) looking for small fish to eat. [links]
Ahhh, the humble duck. This common bird is sometimes overlooked, but ducks come in many different, exciting varieties! Mallards are fairly prevalent and can be found in almost any park or city. [links]
You may hear a Common Loon’s distinctively haunting call before you see it. Once you hear a Common Loon, scan the water. These birds are impressive swimmers, able to dive down as deep as 76 meters, but they struggle to walk on land. more
Still, some of the preparation for projected growth has already started, the result – unanticipated until now – of innumerable projects that respond to rising carbon levels in the atmosphere. Here’s a sampling:
Though rigorous data is not yet available, anecdotal evidence indicates that the Great Lakes region is already attracting new residents interested in the region’s comparative climate safety. Dick Huey, a Traverse City-based realtor who spent much of his career in the Upper Peninsula, described a client from Austin, Tx., a financial investment manager, who purchased a home 15 miles north of Marquette as a hedge against climate disruption. “One of the things he does for a living is to see what the future will bring,” said Huey in an interview. “He realized that climate change is significant. It would make it less desirable to live in places like Austin.”
Funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the collaborative’s four nonprofit newsrooms — Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at DPTV and Michigan Radio — aim to elevate discussion, amplify the voice of Michigan residents and produce action that protects the region’s waters for future generations. While Mott provides financial support, our public service journalism is produced independently.
Great Lakes forests are the foundation of a $100 billion annual recreation, manufacturing, and real estate economy that employs hundreds of thousands of workers. The forests absorb and store carbon, reduce flooding and erosion, keep streams clean, and provide habitat for plants and animals. The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, a research unit of the U.S. Forest Service, is one of the leading groups that has dispatched teams of forest specialists to build partnerships with businesses and communities, conduct public education workshops, and assist land managers across the eight Great Lakes states in adapting practices that enhance the capacity of forests to thrive in changing conditions.
Their laboratory, the university’s 10,000-acre Biological Station east of Petoskey, had advanced forestry and natural sciences since the field station’s founding in 1909. Few projects, though, attracted the same level of attention as the migration research.
The Great Lakes are, from west to east: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. They are a dominant part of the physical and cultural heritage of North America.
Shared with Canada and spanning more than 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) from west to east, these vast inland freshwater seas provide water for consumption, transportation, power, recreation and a host of other uses. more
The Great Lakes basin encompasses large parts of two nations, the United States and Canada. [links]