Climate Scientists Studying Great Lakes Find Lake Superior Wind Speeds Up 25% In 25 Years

[hatrack]

Scientists studying the rapid rise in Lake Superior’s surface water temperatures report that winds over the giant lake have increased 25 percent over the past 25 years.

Wind speeds recorded at three computerized buoys on the lake have increased from about 9.2 mph to 11.5 mph since 1979, according to a data analysis by University of Minnesota Duluth scientists. Similar increases were found over Lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie.

It might be good news for sailing enthusiasts. But exactly what higher winds mean for the lake, the Great Lakes ecosystems and Northland residents is unclear. Higher winds could spur more rip currents, making recreational boating and swimming less safe; more wave action and erosion on shore; increased evaporation and lower water levels; and more lake-effect snowfall.

“We know it’s a statistically significant increase, but we don’t know exactly why right now … and we really don’t know” the implications, said Jay Austin, lead scientist in the ongoing study of Lake Superior meteorological data by UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory.

EDIT

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=54019§ion=homepage&freebie_check&CFID=65927729&CFTOKEN=94665906&jsessionid=8830e906487a493c54f1

[Catch22Dem]

1. Silver lining?

We should harness that wind power. :D

[kestrel91316]

7. Expect NIMBY resistance from the wealthy landowners with their

recreational properties on the lake.......

[Bitwit1234]

2. Tell me about it.....it drives you crazy

I think windmills would be terriffic on the Iron Range.

[rzemanfl]

3. Anybody who swims in Lake Superior has more to fear from

hypothermia than rip currents. That sucker is COLD!

[Poiuyt]

4. Interesting to read that on the anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald

[Kolesar]

5. "The Witch" ... eom

[MelissaB]

6. I just moved to Sault Ste Marie, MI which borders Canada and keep

wondering why we don't have the windmills I see all across the border. It's an amazing site!