Atmospheric Environment of the Lake Michigan Drainage Basin

Gatz, Donald F.; Changnon, Stanley A., Jr.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109983 Copy

Description

Title

Atmospheric Environment of the Lake Michigan Drainage Basin

Author(s)

• Gatz, Donald F.
• Changnon, Stanley A., Jr.

Issue Date

1976-11

Keyword(s)

• Climate
• Atmospheric conditions
• Lake Michigan climate

Geographic Coverage

Lake Michigan

Abstract

Climate was the most important factor in producing the Great Lakes we have today. Through glacial action during the Pleistocene Epoch, the surface topography, shape, and depth of Lake Michigan were determined. Today the Lake Michigan region has a humid, continental climate. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold and stormy. Lake Michigan, as a reservoir for storing and exchanging heat, is a moderating influence on extreme temperatures. The Lake is also a moisture source, especially during late fall and early winter when Arctic air flows over the still-warm lake. Heavy snows in the lee of the Lake can result. Regional atmospheric dispersion conditions are generally good in locations away from the Lake. Air mass stagnation conditions are expected only four times a year, and three of these should last no longer than two days each. However, over and near the Lake, conditions can be extremely different. During the warm season, when the air over the Lake is relatively cold and stable, onshore airflow can produce a number of conditions leading to high pollutant concentrations within 10 km of the Lake shore. The pollutants also have effects on the weather, including reduced visibility and solar radiation, and increased cloudiness. They may also play a role in producing excess precipitation downwind of large industrial and population centers. Atmospheric pollution also provides an important pathway for the transfer of pollutants deposited on the Lake surface both by dry fallout and in precipitation.

Publisher

Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne IL

Series/Report Name or Number

• Environmental Status of the Lake Michigan Region, Vol. 8
• ISWS Miscellaneous Publication MP-077*

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109983

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Prepared for the U. S. ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

Copyright and License Information

Public domain, federal government document

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