A novel geomatics methodology is presented for locating optimal lake coring sites to potentially capture evidence of paleo-storms. One hundred sediment-water interface samples collected from Harvey Lake, NB, Canada (45° 43′ 45″ N; 67° 00′ 25″ W) were analyzed using: end member mixing analysis (EMMA), which can be used to recognize modal grain size distributions derived from sediment resuspension during major storms; and Itrax X-ray fluorescence core scanningderived Ti, an indicator of catchment runoff, which is enhanced during major storm events. Simple geospatial models based on lake bathymetric and historical wind speed data (Fredericton INTL A climatological station; 1953-2015) were used to determine lake bottom areas susceptible to wave base sediment resuspension. EMMA End Member (EM) 02 (mode = 40 μm) was widely distributed in areas > 4.4 m water depth, which have been unimpacted by wave base remobilization since 1953. Deposition of EM 02 in deeper water areas was interpreted to be of major storm derivation, the result of fallout of resuspended sediments from the water column. This EM was most concentrated in the central part of the lake at >6 m water depth, as well as at the z-max (~ 11 m), and in Herbert's Cove (3-6 m). The main source of runoff derived Ti into the lake was through Sucker Brook, with the highest concentrations in Herbert's Cove and the central part of the lake, including the lake z-max. This assessment indicates that the best undisturbed sedimentary record of paleo-storms is mostly likely in the central part of the lake north of the z-max at water depths of > 6 m, as well as deeper water areas of Herbert's Cove.

Major Tropical Cyclone (TC) events cause extensive damage in coastal regions of the western North Atlantic Basin. The short instrumental record leaves significant gaps in understanding long‐term trends in TC recurrence and intensity, creating uncertainty about future storm trends. Analysis of an ∼520‐year core record from Harvey Lake, located >80 km from the Atlantic coast in southwestern New Brunswick, Canada was carried out using: (a) end‐member mixing analysis (EMMA) of lake sediment grain size data to identify storm‐linked sedimentological processes; and (2) ITRAX X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) derived element/ratios (Fe, Ti, Ca/Sr, Zr/Rb, K/Rb, and Br + Cl/Al) associated with precipitation, weathering, catchment runoff, and air masses. Three derived end members were correlated to heavy rainfall events (EM01), spring freshet (EM02), and TCs (EM03). CONISS analysis of the EMMA and XRF core data resulted in recognition of four unique climatic zones distinguished by distinct distributions of TC and rainfall/weathering/runoff/and air masses. Numerous, major (EM01) rainfall events and (EM03) TC events characterized the basal core record during the early Little Ice Age (LIAa; Zone 1) phase, terminating at ∼1645. A near cessation of heavy rainfall and TC events differentiated the subsequent colder LIAb (∼1645–1825; Zone 2) and subsequent Little Ice Age Transition (∼1825–1895; Zone 3). A resurgence of major rainfall and TC events occurred during recovery from the LIA starting in ∼1895 (Zone 4). EMMA provides a robust tool for recognition of TC and major rainfall events, and greatly expands the potential for paleo‐storm activity research well inland from coastal regions.

Harvey Lake, located within the Atlantic region of Canada, endures many storms, including Hurricane Arthur in 2014, and likely archives lake sediment records including past storm signals. Lakes are often characterized by a single central site, rather than a suite of sites, due to cost and time constraints. This research sought to develop a novel geomatics protocol to optimize coring site selection using a multi-site (n = 96) characterization. Areas prone to resuspension were modeled using lake morphology and historical wind speed records (1953-2015). Modeled resuspension areas agreed with the spatial distribution of sedimentary proxies (i.e., grain size and Itrax-XRF). End member mixing analysis identified a very coarse grain end member that likely reflects the deposition of resuspended sediments. In addition to the central basin, our approach highlighted Herbert's Cove as a suitable coring target as it was in closer proximity to a source of allochthonous sedimentation (i.e., catchment hydrological signal).