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6700159 
Journal Article 
Small eddies observed in Lake Superior using SAR and sea surface temperature imagery 
Mckinney, P; Holt, B; Matsumoto, K; , 
2012 
Yes 
Journal of Great Lakes Research
ISSN: 0380-1330 
ELSEVIER SCI LTD 
OXFORD 
786-797 
WOS:000312183100019 
Making use of the fine resolution of satellite SAR imagery, we observe small eddies during the spring and summer months in several locations in Lake Superior. During these months there is a thermal gradient between warmer nearshore waters and colder offshore waters which enhances cyclonic coastal currents. Using spaceborne SAR imagery from the European Space Agency's ERS-1 and ERS-2 missions from 1992 to 1998, we observe small eddies, identifying and mapping basic eddy characteristics including diameter, location, and rotational sense. In total, 45 eddies were located, of which 41 were cyclonic and 4 anticyclonic. Average diameter was 9.8 km and average distance to shore was 8.1 km. Based on sea surface temperature data from AVHRR, the eddies are located within the region of sharp thermal gradients of order 3-5 degrees C per 3 km. Spatial and temporal coverage was uneven, however, more eddies were seen in SAR images taken in late summer along the southern and eastern shores as well as areas where the boundary current interacts with topographic features including islands and promontories. (C) 2012 International Association for Great Lakes Research. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.