NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory Blog

The latest news and information about NOAA research in and around the Great Lakes

February 22, 2024
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on Q&A with NOAA scientists: Causes and impacts of 2024’s historically low Great Lakes ice cover

Q&A with NOAA scientists: Causes and impacts of 2024’s historically low Great Lakes ice cover

Many people have questions about the historically low Great Lakes ice cover this winter, and we’ve got answers! NOAA GLERL’s Bryan Mroczka (Physical Scientist) and Andrea Vander Woude (Integrated Physical and Ecological Modeling and Forecasting Branch Chief) answer the following … Continue reading

October 24, 2023
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on NOAA GLERL and CIGLR scientists ranked in World’s Best Scientists list

NOAA GLERL and CIGLR scientists ranked in World’s Best Scientists list

NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) is pleased to recognize that several of our scientists have recently been recognized on Research.com’s list of “World’s Best Scientists” for 2023. This ranking identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers who are having … Continue reading

September 7, 2023
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on Former NOAA GLERL scientist recognized for career achievements in reducing Great Lakes aquatic invasive species introductions

Former NOAA GLERL scientist recognized for career achievements in reducing Great Lakes aquatic invasive species introductions

This week, NOAA GLERL and partners had the pleasure of formally recognizing Dr. David Reid, whose research on aquatic invasive species (AIS) has had significant positive impacts on the health of the Great Lakes. Recognizing this renowned former GLERL scientist … Continue reading

August 16, 2023
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on From interesting pet to invasive species: The dangers of releasing exotic plants and animals into the wild

From interesting pet to invasive species: The dangers of releasing exotic plants and animals into the wild

In the Great Lakes and beyond, invasive species can wreak havoc on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Even the most widespread biological invasions once began from a single moment of introduction into a new region. In several cases, the origin of … Continue reading

July 6, 2023
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on A look back at Lake Erie hypoxia in 2022

A look back at Lake Erie hypoxia in 2022

As the 2023 hypoxia season in Lake Erie is beginning, it’s interesting to look back at the 2022 hypoxia season as depicted in this retrospective animation. The animation shows model-predicted bottom temperature and dissolved oxygen from the Experimental Lake Erie Hypoxia Forecast (background color scale) with observations plotted over … Continue reading

April 18, 2023
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on Close to HOMES – How GLERL’s Great Lakes expertise helps combat flooding in the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Basin

Close to HOMES – How GLERL’s Great Lakes expertise helps combat flooding in the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Basin

In the world of NOAA, some of the most significant scientific advancements come as a response to natural disasters. Events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods influence the creation of new solutions to the problems these disasters cause. Over the past … Continue reading

February 17, 2023
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on Low ice on the Great Lakes this winter

Low ice on the Great Lakes this winter

Ice coverage has reached a record low in the Great Lakes for this time of year. As of February 13, 2023, only 7 percent of these five freshwater lakes was covered in ice. Read the full story on NOAA Research.

December 19, 2022
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on Underwater robots significantly advance our ability to study Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms

Underwater robots significantly advance our ability to study Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms

Newly published research from the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR), and partners reveals that using underwater robots could significantly advance scientists’ ability to study the harmful algal blooms (HABs) that … Continue reading

December 14, 2022
by Gabrielle Farina
Comments Off on Decades in the making, NOAA’s newest Lake Superior and Lake Ontario forecast systems become fully operational

Decades in the making, NOAA’s newest Lake Superior and Lake Ontario forecast systems become fully operational

Did you know that NOAA operates a forecasting system that predicts water conditions on the Great Lakes? Whether you’re wondering about a lake’s temperature, currents, or water level changes, NOAA’s got you covered! This fall, NOAA implemented newly updated versions … Continue reading