Has Silica Increased in Lake Superior Waters?
Schelske CL, Conley DJ, Stoermer EF. 1987. Has Silica Increased in Lake Superior Waters?. Great Lakes Research Division, The University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, MI
This paper provided additional evidence that BSi sedimentation and soluble Si concentrations have increased in Lake Superior. Sediment cores were collected with a box corer at four stations in Lake Superior. Water samples for 1983 were collected in deep water off the Keweenaw Peninsula and for 1986 were collected 6.8 km from Rock Harbor lighthouse, Isle Royale, to depths of 60 m in approximately 130 m of water. Available data support the conclusion that an increase in silica concentration of at least 0.20 mg L-1 and possibly 0.30 mg L-1 occurred between the early 1970s and 1986 in Lake Superior. The authors also attempt to assess whether disposal of taconite tailings in Silver Bay or increased weathering of silicate mineral by acid rain in the drainage basin can account for the increased Si loading that must be invoked if the Si mass balance has changed.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Schelske, Claire; Conley, Daniel; Stoermer, Eugene
- Date of Issue
- 1987
- Publisher
- Great Lakes Research Division, The University of Michigan
- Units
- APIS , ISRO
- Keywords
- Aquatic, Isle Royale, Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior, Limnology, Michigan, Sediment Cores, Silica (SiO2), Water Quality