WEEKLY WATER NEWS

DATASTREME WES WEEK THREE: 17-21 September 2007

Water in the News

(Thurs.) Martian ice cover explained -- Researchers with the University of Hawaii and Brown University have shown that the pulsation in the ice caps on the surface of Mars were produced by periodic ice ages and interglacial epochs caused by variations in the tilt of the Martian spin axis. They claim that these orbital-induced variations in climate were similar to those associated with the Milankovitch cycles on earth, but larger because the amplitude of the variations in tilt of the Martian axis were larger than those of earth. [New Scientist]
(Thurs.) Thin Arctic sea ice is reported -- An expedition to the North Polar Sea by an international team of scientists aboard the Research Ship Polarstern from the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research reports thin Arctic sea ice of approximately one meter thickness, which represents a 50-percent thinning of the ice compared with six years ago. Oceanographic buoys were deployed. [Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research] Instruments onboard the European Space Agency's Envisat satellite also have detected the smallest areal extent of Arctic sea ice. [ESA]
(Thurs.) Mathematics applied to melting of polar ice -- Mathematicians from the University of Utah have been developing mathematical models designed to study the permeability of sea ice to saltwater in an effort to understand the effect of higher temperatures upon the melting of the polar icepack. [EurekAlert!]
(Thurs.) Alaskan lake boils with methane -- A researcher from the University of Alaska Fairbanks recently found that a lake on the North Slope of Alaska appeared to be violently boiling as large quantities of methane was being released from the thawing permafrost underneath the lake. [University of Alaska Fairbanks]
(Thurs.) Ground cover affects permafrost melt -- Researchers at Ontario's McMaster University report that the presence of peat and vegetation such as forests could help slow the melting of permafrost across northern Canada by providing a layer of insulation, which would reduce heat transfer. [EurekAlert!]
(Tues.) Drought effects seen from space -- Maps generated from data obtained from the MODIS sensor on NASA's Terra satellite show a vegetation index called the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) that shows the relative vegetation greenness of the vegetation during a two week period as compared with a long-term average, thereby showing the health of the vegetation cover. These images, which can be used to assess drought conditions, were generated at the end of August and show the severe drought conditions in:
- the Southwest, where a checkerboard pattern across California's San Joaquin Valley identifies those fields that were irrigated from those that were not. [NASA Earth Observatory]
- the Northwest, where dry conditions prevailed, including those locations where major wildfires scorched the landscape. [NASA Earth Observatory]
- the Southeast, where record high temperatures were reported across the drought-stricken region. [NASA Earth Observatory]
  
  [Editor's note: A NASA Earth Observatory primer provides an in-depth description of the NDVI and how it is used to provide an indication of drought. EJH]
(Tues.) New Jersey beaches closed because of medical waste and trash -- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection was forced to close several state beaches over the recent Labor Day weekend because medical waste and other trash had washed onto the shore. These beaches have since been reopened. [US Water News Online]
(Tues.) Review of the weather for summer 2007 -- Based upon preliminary data, scientists at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center recently reported that the just completed August was the second warmest August and the 2007 meteorological summer (the three-months of June, July and August) was the sixth warmest summer across the coterminous US since sufficient climate records began in 1895. In addition, approximately half of the nation experienced drought conditions at the end of August, especially across the West and Southeast. [NOAA News]
(Tues.) August Extremes -- While the monthly climatological data for the just-completed month of August are being compiled and analyzed, the National Climate Data Center (NCDC) has listed Selected U.S. City and State Extremes August 2007 that includes several noteworthy extremes in the temperature and precipitation records across the nation. This list could be updated in the near future.
(Tues.) Extinction of rare dolphin could have been caused by humans -- An international team of researchers, including biologists from the NOAA Fisheries Service, claim that a recent survey in China failed to locate any baiji or Yangtze River dolphins, which could mean that this marine mammal could have become extinct because of fishing and commercial development. [EurekAlert!]
(Tues.) Water limits imposed to protect fish in a California delta -- A US District Court judge recently imposed limits on the flow of water from the San Joaquin-Sacramento River delta to state water users, ruling that his decision was to protect delta smelt, a threatened fish, from being ingested into and being destroyed by the massive pumps. [US Water News Online]
(Tues.) Soaring number of parking spaces results in pollution and warming -- Researchers at Purdue University claim that the number of parking spaces across the US outnumbers the number of drivers by a three to one ratio and that the expanse of paved parking areas has led to warming in urban areas and the adding to water pollution because of the changes in the thermal and permeability of the land surface caused by the pavement. [Purdue University]
Weather a possible contributor to deadly plane crash -- Heavy rain was falling and strong crosswinds were reported at the Phuket airport in southern Thailand as a Thai jetliner with 130 crashed as it landed on Sunday. According to preliminary reports, at least 87 people were killed. [CNN]
Eye on the tropics -- During the last week several tropical cyclones (low pressure systems that form over tropical or subtropical oceans) developed and moved across tropical waters:
- In the western Gulf of Mexico, a tropical depression developed rapidly into Tropical Storm Humberto, the eighth named tropical cyclone of the 2007 North Atlantic hurricane season North Atlantic, early last week. As it moved to the northeast, it intensified to a Category 1 hurricane (on the Saffir-Simpson Scale) just before making landfall along the upper Texas Gulf coast early last Thursday. Humberto represented the third hurricane of the season in the North Atlantic basin. A MODIS image from the NASA Terra satellite showed the clouds surrounding Tropical Storm Humberto before it became a hurricane. [NASA Earth Observatory] A subsequent image from NOAA's GOES-12 satellite shows Humberto after it made landfall. [NOAA OSEI]
  A tropical depression formed in the central tropical Atlantic at midpoint of last week and eventually became Tropical Storm Ingrid, the ninth named tropical cyclone of the 2007 North Atlantic hurricane season, at the end of the week. Over the weekend, this minimal tropical storm weakened and was reclassified as a tropical depression as it approached the northern Leeward Islands. An image from the GOES-12 satellite shows the clouds associated with Tropical Storm Ingrid at the end of last week. [NOAA OSEI]
- In the western North Pacific, a typhoon (the western North Pacific equivalent of a hurricane) called Nari formed near early last week to the east-southeast of Taiwan and moved to the northwest and then to the north toward South Korea. It became a supertyphoon near the end of the week as maximum sustained winds exceeded 140 mph. By late Sunday (local time), Nari had made landfall in South Korea and quickly weakened to a tropical storm. A MODIS image from NASA's Terra satellite shows the clouds surrounding Typhoon Nari. [NASA Earth Observatory] A later satellite image from the Japanese MTSAT satellite shows the typhoon near Okinawa. [NOAA OSEI]
  Another typhoon, called Wipha, formed to the northeast of the Philippine island of Luzon on Saturday (local time) and moved to the northwest. As of Monday (local time), it was a minimal typhoon as it moved toward China.
Flooding from a typhoon -- A pair of images obtained from the MODIS instrument on NASA's Aqua satellite taken nearly two weeks apart over a region of Japan to the north of Tokyo before and after the landfall of Typhoon Fitow reveals the extent of the flooding caused by that typhoon. [NASA Earth Observatory]
Impact of Indian flooding shown -- MODIS images of India’s Brahmaputra River watershed taken from NASA's Aqua satellites in early August and last week show the recent flooding across northeastern India, Bhutan and Bangladesh due to early September torrential rain. [NASA Earth Observatory]
Green in the Red Sea -- An image of the surface water of the Red Sea obtained from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) shows chlorophyll from phytoplankton, single cell marine plants that accumulated in several large patches. [NASA Earth Observatory]
"Mission to Aquarius" to study Florida reefs -- A team of scientists and educators participating in NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program will start a nine-day mission called "Aquarius 2007: If Reefs Could Talk" on Monday that will take them to the Aquarius undersea lab, the world’s only undersea scientific facility, below the surface waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This mission, designed to study corals and marine life, can be tracked by students and the pubic through the OceansLive.org education Web portal. [NOAA News]
Global Water News Watch -- Other water news sources can be obtained through the SAHRA Project at the University of Arizona [SAHRA Project]
Earthweek -- Diary of the Planet [earthweek.com] Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX -- The Autumnal Equinox will occur early next Sunday morning (officially at 0951Z, 23 September 2007 or 5:51 AM EDT or 4:51 PM CDT, etc.). At that time the noontime sun will appear directly above the equator, representing one of the two times during the year for such an occurrence, with the other being at the vernal equinox in March. The term "equinox" arises from the fact that this time of year represents "equal night" and equal day essentially everywhere. Within the subsequent several days, the length of daylight will become noticeably shorter. This decrease in daylight will continue for another three months to the winter solstice early Saturday, 22 December 2007.
Editor's note: John White, a meteorologist from North Carolina involved with the AMS Education program, reported that the geosynchronous (or geostationary) satellites make an "satellite eclipse" of the sun near the spring and autumnal equinoxes because of their equatorial orbit, such that these satellites pass through the earth's shadow and the satellite is powered down when the solar array does not receive sufficient sunlight. [For more information, consult NWS Southern Region GOES Satellite FAQ] EJH.

Concept of the Week: Great Lakes Water Levels

In late 2000, Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie experienced their lowest water levels in 35 years with serious implications for lake-based activities. Over the past few years, however, changes in weather conditions in the Great Lakes watershed appear to have somewhat reversed the decline in water levels, but overall they still remain below long-term averages.

From 1997 to 2001, Lakes Michigan and Huron dropped by 104 cm (40.8 in.) and Lake Erie dropped by 96 cm (37.6 in.), encompassing the greatest three-year drop in lake levels since continuous records began in 1860. This dramatic decline in lake level was due to a combination of weather conditions in the Great Lakes watershed. Rainfall, snowfall, and air temperature during winter and spring govern water levels of the Great Lakes in spring and summer. Spring melting of the winter snow pack in the watershed is an important contributing factor as is air temperature that ultimately governs evaporation rates. During 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000, lower than normal precipitation and higher than normal temperatures reduced the winter snow pack, decreased discharge on rivers flowing into the lakes, and accelerated lake evaporation. Although input of water into the Great Lakes was above the long-term average in Fall 2001, lake levels remained well below average because of less than the usual snow melt in the Spring of 2001 and less than normal winter ice-cover in 2001-02. (More open water translates into greater winter evaporation.)

Great Lakes water levels showed signs of recovery during 2002, but in early 2003, all the lakes were lower than the long-term average for that time of year. A cool wet summer in the eastern Lakes region, but dry summer weather across the west meant that lake levels for the upper lakes continued to remain below average, while the lower lakes had levels that returned to near average. The cool summer of 2004 was very similar to 2003, with below average precipitation across the western Lakes and above average rainfall over the eastern Lakes. By mid September 2004, Lakes Erie and Ontario had water levels that were above the long-term monthly average. However, following the dry spring and summer of 2005, lake levels of the upper (or western) Lakes fell below long-term averages and remained below average into 2006. Continued drought and unseasonably warm weather across sections of the Upper Midwest during the summer of 2006 caused the level of Lake Superior to fall to approximately 30 cm (13 in) below the long-term average by early February 2007. However, by September 2007, the continued drought across the Lakes caused the water levels on all the lakes to drop below long-term level, even though the lower lakes were above average at the start of the year. The greatest departure was experienced on Lake Superior, where the lake level was at a record low level that was nearly one half meter (19 inches) below the long-term average. The levels of Lakes Michigan and Huron were 0.6 meters (23 inches) below average. (The Straits of Mackinac that link Lakes Michigan and Huron are so wide and deep that the levels of these two lakes are essentially the same.) Lake Ontario was 20 cm (7 inches) below average, while Lake Erie was close to average (one quarter of an inch less).

Low lake levels adversely impact commercial navigation, marinas, recreational boaters, and electric power facilities. Shallower than usual water requires expensive and environmentally damaging dredging to keep shipping channels navigable and ports open. Even with more dredging, some channels cannot accommodate the draft of heavily laden freighters. Reduced carrying capacity impedes transport of grain, coal, ore, and other raw materials to processing facilities and markets. In 2000, Lake Carriers transported 5% to 8% less cargo, sending prices higher. If storm winds cause near-shore water levels to fall, marinas, docks, and boat ramps may be temporarily inaccessible. The Great Lakes supply most of the potable water for lakeshore communities and cooling water for coal-fired and nuclear electric power plants located along their shores. A drop in water level may require costly repositioning of intake pipes. On the positive side, lower lake levels translate into broader beaches and wetland habitats and less shoreline erosion.

For more information on past, current, and anticipated Great Lakes water levels, go to http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/now/wlevels/, a web site maintained by the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL). Records of Great Lakes water levels constitute one of the longest high quality hydrometeorological data sets in North America, dating back to about 1860. Lake level measurements are collected and archived by NOAA's National Ocean Service.

Concept of the Week: Questions

With rising temperatures, the rate of evaporation of water [(increases)(decreases)].
A trend toward snowier and colder winters and springs is likely to cause levels of the Great Lakes to [(rise)(fall)].

Historical Events

17 September 1963...Nearly two and a half inches of rain fell at Yuma, AZ in 24 hrs. This rain, from Tropical Storm Katherina, was the most intense rain for Yuma during the period between 1909 and 1977. (The Weather Channel)
17-23 September 1989...Hurricane Hugo hit the Virgin Islands on the 17th, producing wind gusts to 97 mph at Saint Croix. Hurricane Hugo passed directly over the island of Saint Croix causing complete devastation and essentially cutting off the island's communications systems. A storm surge of five to seven feet occurred at Saint Croix. The only rain gauge left operating, at Caneel Bay, indicated 9.40 in. in 24 hrs. Hurricane Hugo claimed the lives of three persons at Saint Croix, and caused more than $500 million in damage. A ship, Nightcap, in the harbor of Culebra, measured wind gusts as high as 170 mph. On the 18th, Hugo hit Puerto Rico, producing a storm surge of four to six feet, and northeastern sections of the island were deluged with more than ten inches of rain. Hugo claimed the lives of a dozen persons in Puerto Rico, and caused $1 billion in property damage, including $100 million in crop losses. On the 21st, Hugo slammed into the South Carolina coast at about 11 p.m., making landfall near Sullivans Island. Hurricane Hugo was directly responsible for thirteen deaths, and indirectly responsible for twenty-two others. A total of 420 persons were injured in the hurricane, and damage was estimated at $8 billion, including $2 billion damage to crops. Sustained winds reached 85 mph at Folly Beach SC, with wind gusts as high was 138 mph. Wind gusts reached 98 mph at Charleston, and 109 mph at Shaw AFB. The highest storm surge occurred in the McClellanville and Bulls Bay area of Charleston County, with a storm surge of 20.2 ft reported at Seewee Bay. Shrimp boats were found one half-mile inland at McClellanville. On the 22nd, Hugo quickly lost strength over South Carolina, but still was a tropical storm as it crossed into North Carolina, just west of Charlotte, at about 7 a.m. Winds around Charlotte reached 69 mph, with gusts to 99 mph. Eighty percent of the power was knocked out to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Property damage in North Carolina was $210 million, and damage to crops was $97 million. The greatest storm surge occurred along the southern coast shortly after midnight, reaching nine feet above sea level at Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach. Hugo killed one person and injured fifteen others in North Carolina. (Storm Data) (The National Weather Summary)
17 September 1996…Remnants of Hurricane Fausto that had initially formed over the eastern Pacific and moved northeastward from Mexico reformed into a powerful coastal storm in Atlantic waters off the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula, before passing Cape Cod in eastern Massachusetts. Winds gusted to 50 mph and rainfall was up to four inches. Minor coastal flooding in the New York City metropolitan area. (Accord Weather Guide Calendar)
18 September 1926...The great "Miami Hurricane" produced winds reaching 138 mph which drove ocean waters into Biscayne Bay drowning 135 persons. The eye of the hurricane passed over Miami, at which time the barometric pressure dropped to 27.61 inches. Tides up to twelve feet high accompanied the hurricane, which claimed 372 lives. (David Ludlum) (The Weather Channel)
19 September 1967...Hurricane Beulah deluged Brownsville, TX with 12.19 in. of rain in 24 hrs, to establish a record for that location. Hurricane Beulah made landfall on the 20th near the mouth of the Rio Grande River, where a wind gust of 135 mph was reported by a ship in the port. (19th-20th) (The Weather Channel)
20 September 1845...A tornado, called the "Adirondack Tornado" traveled 275 mi across Lake Ontario, New York and Lake Champlain, after starting as a waterspout over Lake Ontario and then traveling as a tornado through New York State to exit as a waterspout again on Lake Champlain. The treefall in the forest is still discernible. (Sandra and TI Richard Sanders - 1987) (Intellicast)
20 September 1909...A strong hurricane made landfall in southeastern Louisiana. A 15-ft storm surge flooded the Timbalier Bay area. Some 350 people perished. (Intellicast)
20-23 September 1942 -- A torrential rainstorm hit Canada's Maritime Provinces. During these four days, 13.99 in. fell at Stellarton, Nova Scotia and 10.83 in. at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Halifax, Nova Scotia received 9.40 in. of rain on the 21 September. (The Weather Doctor)
21 September 1938...The "Great New England Hurricane" smashed into Long Island and bisected New England from New Haven, CT across Massachusetts and Vermont, causing a massive forest blowdown and widespread flooding. Winds gusted to 186 mph at Blue Hill Observatory in Milton, MA, and a storm surge of nearly 30 ft caused extensive flooding along the coast of Rhode Island. The hurricane killed over 600 persons and caused $500 million damage. The hurricane, which lasted twelve days, destroyed 275 million trees. Hardest hit were Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Long Island NY. The "Long Island Express" produced gargantuan waves with its 150 mph winds, waves which smashed against the New England shore with such force that earthquake-recording instruments on the Pacific coast clearly showed the shock of each wave. (David Ludlum) (The Weather Channel)
21-23 September 1992...Torrential rains deluged the south of France. As much as 17 in. fell in a 12-hr spell on the 22^nd. A 49-ft high wall of water swept through Vaison la Romaine. Whole trees penetrated houses and vehicles. At least 38 died. (Accord Weather Calendar)
22-23 September 1998... Hurricane Georges raked Hispaniola leaving over 580 dead in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, due mainly to flash flooding and subsequent mud slides in high terrain regions. Damage estimates from the storm exceeded $1 billion (US). (The Weather Doctor)
23 September 1551...The Grand Harbour at Valetta, Malta was hit by a waterspout that then moved inland and caused extensive damage. A shipping armada in the harbor about to go into battle was destroyed by the waterspout killing at least 600 people. (The Weather Doctor)
23 September 1815...One of the most powerful hurricanes to strike New England made landfall initially on Long Island, NY and then again at Old Saybrook, CT before crossing into Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Extensive structural damage resulted. Providence, RI was flooded and six people were killed. This "Great September Gale" was the worst tempest in nearly two hundred years, equal in strength to the Great 1938 Hurricane, and one of a series of severe summer and autumn storms to affect shipping lanes that year. (David Ludlum)