An initial view of subsurface Lagrangian observations in Lake Champlain: General patterns, cross-lake flow and coastal currents

Lake Champlain 2010: A summary of recent research and monitoring initiatives

“…Winds produce internal seiche activity in the Main Lake that extends as far as the South Lake and create circular currents along the western and eastern sides of the lake (Manley, 2004). A closer study of these circular patterns from 2002 to 2004 by Manley et al (2012b) in this issue revealed three main circulation systems: (1) offshore, both the epilimnion and hypolimnion showed circular to elliptical motions; (2) nearshore currents created linear to curvilinear motions; and (3) southerly winds generated a strong westerly subsurface flow (10-16 m) and a strong southerly flow near the western shore. The western subsurface flow seems to be driven by upwelling of hypolimnetic water along some parts of the shoreline.…”

“…The western subsurface flow seems to be driven by upwelling of hypolimnetic water along some parts of the shoreline. Northerly winds may create an opposite circulation pattern, with easterly subsurface flows and a northerly current along the east shore (Manley et al, 2012b).…”

“…The natural narrow opening between the Northeast Arm and Missisquoi Bay was further constricted by a highway causeway, which was replaced by a bridge in 2003. As a result of its bathymetric profile -long, narrow, with a deep ravine -the lake has a complex hydrological dynamic involving long-term and short-term seiches and substantial currents (Manley, 2004;Manley et al, 1999bManley et al, , 2012b.…”