There’s been so much talk about shoreline erosion due to Lake Erie water levels and the concern about sand replenishment east of the marina, but do you know where Lake Erie’s water level is compared to where it’s been? The above chart shows the level is declining and returning to its long term average. That’s good news for shoreline property owners and if the trend continues it may be easier to keep those properties from washing away during the occasional storm.
The chart above shows the change over the last 20 years. A longer term look shows the level had not changed much until the brief rise over the recent ten year period.
Lake Erie is the warmest of all of the Great Lakes
Another interesting graphic shows Great Lakes water temperatures and, unsurprisingly, Lake Erie is the warmest of all of the lakes due to being the shallowest. If you notice how warm it is, especially in the western end, it likely contributes to the algal bloom that occurs over there.
If you find these charts interesting, you will discover more fascinating data at the link below. The site is a data rich source for inquisitive students looking to keep their mind in gear over the summer or anyone else, for that matter. Check it out.
NOAA – Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
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Matthew Winschel says
Geez, the maintenance requirement put on the marina due to the interruption of littoral drift was when the average water level was 570 ish in the 1988-1992 range. That puts it more into perspective why it is so woefully deficient today to meet the needs of the properties east of the marina as the drift rate would be much higher at higher water levels. Shame the corps has not yet bothered to revisit that and correct it upward to the proper amount.