Activity: Interpreting Lake Erie Temperatures

Summary: Students use graphs and maps to interpret Lake Erie water temperatures and depths.

You Need:

Procedure

Break students into groups of two.

Provide each group with water temperature versus depth graphs and Eastern Lake Erie map:
- Interpreting graphs – Each water temperature versus depth graph displays depth in meters on the y-axis and water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit on the x-axis. The date and time are listed near the top of the page.
- Locating graph sources (buoys) – To locate, find the location of the water temperatures, look for the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) number on the bottom of the water temperature versus depth graph and find the corresponding buoy on the Lake Erie map
Each group uses graphs and map to complete data sheets.
After completing data sheets, allow two to three groups of students to answer each question. Groups should communicate their conclusions to the class using evidence from graphs.

Use a computer with internet access to explore real-time water temperature versus depth graphs.

Access real-time water temperature versus depth graphs from each of the Great Lakes.
Go to the Great Lakes Coastal Forecasting System website
- Find: Temp profiles (listed for each lake)
The most recent water temperature versus depth graphs are displayed. Water temperature versus depth graphs for the previous 48 hours are also available. Links to graphs are listed across the top of the page (-01 equals one hour previous)
To locate the source of water temperature versus depth graphs (buoys), go to the National Data Buoy Center website.
- Look for the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) number on the bottom of the water temperature, versus depth graph.
- Look up the buoy number by zooming into the Great Lakes region.