Global Warming and the Great Lakes
Researchers have reported new evidence that water levels in the Great Lakes may be shrinking due to global warming. The study examines water level data for Lakes Michigan and Huron over more than a century.
Water levels in the Great Lakes have fluctuated over thousands of years. But recent declines in water levels have raised concern because the declines are consistent with many climate change projections.
The scientists examined water level data for Lakes Michigan and Huron from 1860 to 2006, including precipitation, evaporation and runoff data. The results reveal a gradual decline in water levels since 1973. The underlying drop in water levels may be due to an increase in evaporation levels.
December 11, 2007 6:20 AM | Category: Global Warming