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Information Sheets

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GLERL carries out research and provides scientific products, expertise, and services required for effective management and protection of Great Lakes coastal ecosystems. GLERL has a fundamental responsibility to produce high-quality scientific information that addresses issues of importance to the nation regarding the wise use of the Great Lakes and marine coastal environments. The research is both proactive (to provide the basic understanding of how aquatic ecosystems work so that issues can be identified and solved before they become problems) and reactive (to respond to those issues deemed highly relevant to society). Scientific output must be readily available to those who need it.

Scientific Publications GLERL research results are published in the form of scientific journals and technical reports. NOAA Technical Reports are scientific and technical papers that, because of their length or their large data sets, are not suitable for publication in scientific journals. This series includes NOAA Technical Reports, NOAA Technical Memorandums, and NOAA Data Reports. Most files are in PDF format with any associated data files, figures, and programs available from GLERL's FTP site.

Brochures & Information Sheets
One to two page descriptions of a few of our current research projects and results. Written in plain-language and loaded with color and graphics, these are perfect for the non-scientist. Available in PDF and HTML format.

Photo Gallery
The gallery consists of a collection of Great Lakes images. It is organized into seven different categories: Facilities/Vessels, Fieldwork, Ice, Lake Levels, Miscellaneous, Logos, and Waterlife. This collection is updated regularly, so check back often for new images.

Technology Development
Technology development at GLERL encompasses both hardware and software development. The Marine Instrumentation Laboratory performs engineering research and development activities in support of GLERL projects, furthers the advancement of marine technology, and provides instrumentation maintenance and field support for GLERL scientific projects. The other component of technology development is project specific software development. Numerical models are used to predict water levels, the fate and transport of toxic substances, and fish recruitment, among others. Computer software developed at GLERL is also used as a research and management tool; to better understand certain processes and how best to manage resources.

GLERL Library
The GLERL Library's collection reflects an emphasis on freshwater and coastal sciences, particularly in the Great Lakes basin. The GLERL library is open to the public for research purposes, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The GLERL Library's website supports the laboratory's research activities by providing a number of valuable resources, including full-text electronic journals and an online library catalog.

Vessels
GLERL research vessels include the R/V Laurentian, R/V Shenehon, R/V Cyclops and R/V Remorse. These vessels are also available to select institutions conducting Great Lakes research.

Great Lakes Water Levels
Great Lakes water levels constitute one of the longest high quality hydrometeorological data sets in North America with reference gage records beginning about 1860 with sporadic records back to the early 1800's.

Web Cams
GLERL's Marine Instrumentation Laboratory deployed and is maintaining a real-time network of shore-based meteorological instrument packages in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. Stations in Illinois and Michigan also include web cameras. Camera images for Muskegon, MI, Alpena, MI, and Chicago, IL are updated at 5-30 minute intervals.

Meteorological Data
GLERL's Marine Instrumentation Laboratory deployed and is maintaining a real-time network of shore-based meteorological instrument packages in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. Stations in Illinois and Michigan also include web cameras. All meteorological observation stations measure and record wind speed, wind gust, wind direction, and air temperature. In addition, instruments in Chicago measure water levels, and instruments at Muskegon measure dew point, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and light level. This data is updated at 5-30 minute intervals.