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Measurement and Modeling of Processes Controlling acidification in the Great Lakes

Lake Superior as seen from space in fall. Orange and red colors are from fall foliage. Credit: NOAA GLERL CoastWatch node
  • Principal Investigator(s): Noel Urban, Michigan Technological University
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025, 2026

Award Amount: $1,395,035
Duration: 3 years

Why we care
The Great Lakes, like other large lakes around the world, support economies, jobs and ecosystems. They also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, potentially leading to acidification that can affect the ecosystem and people. Ocean and coastal acidification already impacts marine life and the people who depend on healthy ecosystems. In the Great Lakes, the data are sparse, poor quality and inadequate to determine whether acidification is occurring or if it will in the future. This project increases our capacity to measure, monitor and model acidification in the Great Lakes. 

What we will do
This project will demonstrate how high-quality data can be collected and modeled to determine what factors regulate the carbon system on a daily, seasonal, and interannual scales in the Great Lakes. First, moorings installed in lakes Superior and Erie in optimal locations will provide two years of high precision measurement of dissolved carbon dioxide and pH, two important parameters for measuring the carbon system. Collecting other information on chemical and biological processes that can also influence acidification concurrently will aid a fuller understanding. Second, a coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model and model experiments will determine how temperature change, vertical mixing of the water column, biological processes, air-water exchange, or changes in pools of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon control the carbon system and potential acidification. 


Benefits of our work
This project increases capacity for high quality measurement and modeling of the carbon system in the Great Lakes. The high-resolution information allows us to understand the chemical and biological processes at different scales that influence the carbon system and determine the level or potential for acidification.

Investigators
Noel Urban, Michigan Technological University
Hayden Henderson, Michigan Technological University
Trista Vick-Majors, Michigan Technological University
Pengfei Xue, Michigan Technological University
Reagan Errera, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab

Image: Lake Superior surrounded by fall foliage as seen in space. Credit: NOAA Great Lakes Environmental La

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ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

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TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action