The Great Lakes Forecasting System: An Overview

by Keith W. Bedford, Ohio State Univ, Columbus, United States,
David J. Schwab, Ohio State Univ, Columbus, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The Great Lakes Forecasting System is a full three-dimensional model-based system designed to make regularly scheduled predictions of the physical status of each of the Great Lakes. Due to its shallowness and rapid response to storms, Lake Erie has been selected as the prototype. Daily predictions are made for three-dimensional velocity and temperature distributions as well as water level and wind wave distributions. The system is designed to function with existing, operationally collected data including AVHRR and GOES satellite data. Products are distributed through two systems, the NOAA-based COASTWATCH program and the PC-based GLFSview system. Research concerns include identification of procedures for coupled predictions with atmospheric models, developing satellite procedures for including the effect of clouds on heat flux estimates, and determining the adequacy of wave model predictions for shallow water effects. Funding for this project comes from a suite of thirteen sources, ranging from federal to local governments and private companies and foundations.

Subject Headings: Lakes | Velocity distribution | Satellites | Temperature distribution | Forecasting | Water resources | Data collection | Great Lakes | Lake Erie

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