Continuous Dynamical Computations of Water Transports in Lake Erie for 1970

Abstract

A numerical model of Lake Erie [Canada, USA] was used to compute water transports throughout the 1970 shipping season on the basis of continuous wind observations from 6 shore stations. A vertically integrated model was used for quasi-homogeneous conditions, and a 2-layer model was employed to simulate summer stratification. The computed water circulations were retained for a study of the horizontal distribution of various chemical parameters measured by regular ship cruises on the lake during this period. Computed surface elevations were compared with observed water level data to verify the model calculations and to adjust the windstress coefficient from month to month. The coefficient of correlation between observed and computed Buffalo [New York, USA]-minus-Toledo [Ohio, USA] water setup averages out to .95 for the complete integration period. A comparison was made of model results and available data from current meters maintained in the lake during this period. The results show the feasibility of quasi-operational applications of a model of the present type for computing the necessary water transport information for ecosystems modeling and water resources planning.