How are waves created in the Great Lakes?
True tides—changes in water level caused by the gravitational forces of the sun and moon—do occur in a semi-diurnal (twice daily) pattern on the Great Lakes. Wind and weather conditions on the Great Lakes may create a seiche, an oscillating wave which can be several feet high.
How does Lake Michigan get waves?
When storm fronts move rapidly from across a large body of water such as Lake Michigan, air pressure changes and strong downbursts of wind can form one large wave or a series of large waves. The height of the waves depends on the strength of the wind and air pressure contrasts that form the seiche.
Do lakes generate waves?
Most lakes are so small that fetch considerations are unimportant. Studies in larger lakes, however, have shown that the height of the highest waves are related to the fetch. In these lakes, waves as high as several metres are common, although waves of about 7 metres (23 feet) are the highest to be expected.
How do the Great Lakes flow to the ocean?
Water flows from Lake Superior and Lake Michigan into Lake Huron; then through the Detroit River into Lake Erie; then through Niagara Falls into Lake Ontario; and then through the Saint Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. Water also drains from the Chicago River on the south.
Does Lake Erie waves?
Waves on Lake Erie have a short wave period, which means they travel toward shore faster than ocean waves. On Lake Erie, wave periods can be as short as 3 seconds.
Do Great lakes have waves?
The lakes have more coastline than the East and West coasts combined! While ocean waves are created by distant storm systems, waves on the Great Lakes are formed by localized winds. Thanks to ongoing improvements in wetsuit technology, surfers are now able to comfortably ride lake waves year-round.
Can a tsunami happen in a lake?
Tsunamis in lakes can be generated by fault displacement beneath or around lake systems. Needs to occur just below the lake bottom. Earthquake is of high or moderate magnitude typically over magnitude four. Displaces a large enough volume of water to generate a tsunami.
Can Lake Michigan have a tsunami?
A wave of water known as a meteotsunami surged across Lake Michigan and damaged homes and boat docks in the beach town of Ludington, Michigan, almost exactly three years ago. But the April 13, 2018, wave was the first-ever known to have occurred without the influence of wind.
Is there surf in the Great Lakes?
The sheer size of the Great Lakes is what makes surfing on them possible. While ocean waves are created by distant storm systems, waves on the Great Lakes are formed by localized winds. Thanks to ongoing improvements in wetsuit technology, surfers are now able to comfortably ride lake waves year-round.