TSAMD84141 TS-AMD-8414I/8453] December 1985 TRIBUTARY INPUT OF SEDIMENTS INTO THE GREAT LAKES Lake Michigan. Lake Huron, and Lake Erie by M. V. Olsen Environmental Programs Lockheed Engineering and Management Services Company. Inc Las Vegas, Nevada 89114 Contract No. 68-03-3245 Project Officer T. W. Foresman Advanced Monitoring Systems Division Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory Las Vegas. Nevada 89114 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEMS LABORATORY OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY LAS VEGAS. NEVADA 89114 ------- NOTICE This document has not been peer and administratively reviewed within EPA and for internal Agency use and distribution only. 11 ------- ABSTRACT Water quality monitoring of Lake Michigan. Lake Huron, and Lake Erie was performed using visual interpretation of Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) band data. Transparencies were acquired on the basis of proximity to 1984 Great Lakes ship survey dates. A total of thirty-five scenes were found which corresponded to spring, summer, and winter survey dates. The images were visually interpreted to detect sediment input from tributarie into the lakes. This was performed to help monitor changes in water quality and t provide ancillary information to be used in the design of lake sample locations. The results of this analysis are shown on overlays which attach to each print. Several tributaries were identified as sediment sources and were annotated by name whenever possible. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas. Nevada, prepared this report for the Agency's Environment Services Division in Region 5 and Great Lakes Program Office. 111 ------- CONTENTS I Abstract Introduction Methodology . . Photo Analysis Spring Survey Summer Survey Winter Survey References FIGURES Number 1 Great Lakes study area location 2 Approximate locations of Landsat images and dates analyzed for the spring survey 3-14 Image analysis 6 15 Approximate locations of Landsat images and dates analyzed for the summer survey 16-34 Image analysis 21 35 Approximate locations of Landsat images and dates analyzed for the winter survey 36-39 Image analysis 42 v ------- / J'/LAWRENCEVItLE - VINCENNES re 1. Great Lakes study area location. Approximate scale 1:5,000,000, VI ------- INTRODUCTION The Great Lakes National Program Office conducted ship surveys on Lake Michig Lake Huron, and Lake Erie (Figure 1) between April 1984 and January 1985. These w performed to help monitor the progress towards the objectives of the 1978 Canada- United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Water sample data were collect for use in lake eutrophication models and to monitor changes in water quality. In support of these objectives, this study was performed to identify sources of sediment input from tributaries into the lakes. Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) band 2 transparencies covering Lake Michigan. Lake Huron, and Lake Erie were used for the analysis. Multiple image dates, which corresponded to the spring, summer, and winter surveys, were acquired from the EROS Data Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, whenever available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas. Nevada, prepared this report for the Agency's Environment Services Division in Region 5 and Great Lakes National Program Office. ------- ce 2. Approximate locations of Landsat images and dates analyzed for the spring survey. Approximate scale 1:3,600.000. ------- LEGE BLACK 0\ CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE 0V LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT- UNKNOWN RIVER NAME e 6. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. May 15, 1984. 1:1.000.000. Approximate scale ------- LEGE BLACK O CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE O\ LAKE NAME US -UNKNOWI UT-UNKNOWI RIVER NAME e 7. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. March 29. 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 10 ------- PHOTO ANALYSIS SPRING SURVEY A total of 12 Landsat band 2 images were acquired which correspond with the spring lake survey. These images provide coverage for most of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. The approximate locations of these images and date of acquisition are shown in Figure 2. The interpretation of each image is presented Figures 3 through 14. Six of these images provide coverage for nearly all of Lake Michigan (Figures through 8). Visual interpretation of these images resulted in the detection of fi apparent sediment outfalls. Three of these were identified by name and are annotated in Figures 7 and 8. The two remaining tributaries (Figures 5 and 8) cou not be identified by name and were marked as unknown tributaries. Additional turbidity was observed in Figures 5. 7. and 8 which could not be attributed to any point source. Consequently, these patterns were marked as originating from an unknown source. The source of turbidity observed in Figure 8 may be obscured by i which was detected along that shoreline. Figures 9, 10. and 11 provide coverage of most of Lake Huron during the spring. The only location where sediments were observed was in Saginaw Bay (Figur 11). The Saginaw River. Quanicassee River, and Wiscoggin Drain all seem to be contributing to the turbidity of that bay. The turbidity patterns indicate that t flow is north out of the bay and under the ice (Figure 10), flowing around the poi and proceeding south along the west shore of the lake. The ice, which is still remaining along much of the shoreline, may be obscuring additional sediment inputs The final area of analysis for the spring survey was Lake Erie (Figures 12. 1 and 14). Ten tributaries were observed which appeared to be discharging turbid water into the lake. All of these were identified by name. Most are located alon the southern shoreline near Sandusky. Ohio (Figure 12). Several additional sedime plumes were observed but could not be traced to their source. The most prominent these is in the southwestern section of the lake (Figure 12). This plume appears originate to the west of the image, somewhere in the vicinity of Toledo. Ohio. ------- LEGE BLACK O> CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT•UNKNOWN RIVER NAME e 3. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. April 29, 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate ------- BLACK OV CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OVI LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT-UNKNOWN RIVER NAME re 4. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. April 21. 1984 scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate ------- LEGE BLACK 0 CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE O\ LAKE NAME US -UNKNOWf UT-UNKNOWr RIVER NAME e 5. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area, May 7. 1984. 1:1.000.000. Approximate scale 8 ------- LEGE BLACK O\ CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUEOV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT - UNKNOWfy RIVER NAME ce 9. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. April 8, 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 12 ------- LEGE BLACK 0\ CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT- UNKNOWN RIVER NAME e 8. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. March 29, 1984. scale 1:1,000,000. Approximate 11 ------- LEGEN BLACK OVI CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OVE LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN: UT- UNKNOWN RIVER NAME ce 12. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. April 25, 1984 scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 15 ------- LEG BLACK C CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUEQT LAKE NAME US -UNKNOWI UT-UNKNOWI RIVER NAME e 13. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. April 10, 1984 scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 16 ------- LEGEI BLACK OV CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT- UNKNOWN RIVER NAME e 14. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. April 2. 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 17 ------- e 15 Approximate locations of Landsat images and dates analyzed for the summer survey. Approximate scale 1:3.600,000. 18 ------- PHOTO ANALYSIS SUMMER SURVEY Nineteen Landsat band 2 images were selected which corresponded with the sumro lake survey. These scenes provide complete coverage of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Figure 15 shows the approximate locations of these scenes as well the date of acquisition. The interpretation of each image is presented in Figures 16 through 34. Figures 16 through 23 provide coverage of Lake Michigan. Analysis of these images identified turbidity patterns which appear to originate from the outfall of several tributaries. A total of 12 tributaries were identified as apparent source of sediment input. Six of these were identified by name while the remaining six were marked as unknown tributaries. All of these were located along the eastern o southern shoreline of the lake. Turbidity patterns were also observed within Gree Bay (Figure 17) but could not be traced to a source point. The analysis of Lake Huron was performed using Figures 20, 24-27, 29 and 30. Interpretation of these images resulted in the identification of five sediment outfalls. Three of these were identified by name as the Saint Mary's River (Figur 24), Saginaw River, and Quanicassee River (Figure 27). The remaining two were marked as unknown tributaries. An additional sediment plume was observed along tin southern shore of the lake (Figure 27) but could not be traced to its origin. It appeared to originate to the east, beyond the edge of the image. That area is shoi in Figure 30 but because the satellite coverage was not of the same date, no conclusions about the sediment source could be made. Additional light tonal patterns were observed in the middle of the lake in Figure 26 but appear to be the result of fog. 19 ------- The final area to be analyzed for the summer survey was Lake Erie. Coverage this lake is provided by Figures 28 and 30 through 34. Analysis of these images detected several tributaries which appear to be discharging turbid water into the lake. Six of these tributaries are located at the west end of the lake (Figures 2 and 31) and are identified by name. The Toussaint and Sandusky Rivers were annotated on each of these two image dates because of overlap between adjacent Landsat images. A light haze was also observed in this area for one of the dates (Figure 28) and should not be misinterpreted as turbidity. Two additional point sources were identified in Figures 32 and 34 but could not be named. Finally, turbid waters were observed along the north shore of the lake (Figure 30) but no source could be delineated. Clouds are obscuring part of this plume and may also covering the source point. 20 ------- LEGE BLACK O\ CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT- UNKNOWN RIVER NAME e 16. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. August 19. 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 21 ------- LEGE BLACK C CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US -UNKNOWf UT-UNKNOWr RIVER NAME ce 17. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. August 19. 1984 scale 1:1,000.000. Approximate 22 ------- LEGEF BLACK OV CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OVI LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT- UNKNOWN RIVER NAME :e 18. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. July 18. 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 23 ------- LEGE BLACK O CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT-UNKNOWr RIVER NAME e 19. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. July 18. 1984 scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 24 ------- LEGEI BLACK O\ CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT - UNKNOWNS RIVER NAME re 20. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. August 12. 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 25 ------- LEGE BLACK O CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUEOV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT - UNKNOWIV RIVER NAME e 21. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. August 12, 1984. scale 1:1,000,000. Approximate 26 ------- LEGEI BLACK 0V CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OVE LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN 5 UT-UNKNOWN: RIVER NAME ------- LEGE oi study StU 1984 caie 28 BLACK O CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE O' LAKE NAME US -UNKNOW UT-UNKNOW RIVER NAME te ------- LEGE BLACK CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUEOV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT- UNKNOWN RIVER NAME e 24. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. July 20. 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. Approximate 29 ------- LEGE BLACK O CfTY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE 0\ LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWI UT - UNKNOWI RIVER NAME re 25. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. July 29, 1984 scale 1:1.000,000. Approximate 30 ------- LEGENC BLACK OVEI CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUEOVE LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN! UT - UNKNOWN RIVER NAME «. 30. image analysis of Great LaKes study area. July 22. 1984 scale 1:1.000.000. 35 Approximate ------- LEj BLACK CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUEO LAKE NAME US - UNKNOVU UT-UNKNOW RIVER NAME Approximate 36 ------- LEGEr BLACK OV CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWIN UT - UNKIMOWf RIVER NAME ure 32. lma,e analysis of Great LaRes study «... August 16. 1984. scale 1:1.000.000. 37 Approximate ------- LEGI BLACK C CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME ------- PHOTO ANALYSIS WINTER SURVEY Four Landsat band 2 images were used to identify sediment input from tributaries during the winter lake survey. These images provide coverage of the western shoreline of Lake Michigan (Figure 35). No other images were available f( the study area because of cloud cover and data processing delays at the EROS Data Center. The interpretation of these images is presented in Figures 36 through 39. Visual interpretation of these images resulted in the detection of six appare sediment outfalls. Five of these were identified by name and are marked on the attached overlays in Figures 37-39. The remaining outfall which could not be name is marked as an unknown tributary (Figure 39). Additional sediments were observed to the south of these outfalls in the vicinity of Michigan City. Indiana. Analysi of these turbidity patterns indicates that shoreline currents are flowing north. This indicates that the source of these sediments is to the south and therefore under the clouds. Conseguently, the sediments were annotated as coming from an unknown source. 41 ------- LEGEts BLACK 0V CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUE OV LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN UT - UNKNOWIV RIVER NAME ice 36. image analysis of Great Lakes study area. January 3. 1985. scale 1:1.000.000. 42 Approximate ------- PHOTO ANALYSIS WINTER SURVEY Four Landsat band 2 images were used to identify sediment input from tributaries during the winter lake survey. These images provide coverage of the western shoreline of Lake Michigan (Figure 35). No other images were available for the study area because of cloud cover and data processing delays at the EROS Data Center. The interpretation of these images is presented in Figures 36 through 39. Visual interpretation of these images resulted in the detection of six apparer sediment outfalls. Five of these were identified by name and are marked on the attached overlays in Figures 37-39. The remaining outfall which could not be named is marked as an unknown tributary (Figure 39). Additional sediments were observed to the south of these outfalls in the vicinity of Michigan City, Indiana. Analysis of these turbidity patterns indicates that shoreline currents are flowing north. This indicates that the source of these sediments is to the south and therefore under the clouds. Consequently, the sediments were annotated as coming from an unknown source. 41 ------- LEG BLACK( CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUEC LAKE NAME US -UNKNOV UT-UNKNOV RIVER NAME *-*'•,'„. are 36. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area. January 3. 1985 scale 1:1.000.000. 42 Approximate ------- LEGEN BLACK OVE CITY ICE CLOUDS HAZE BLUEOVEI LAKE NAME US - UNKNOWN S UT- UNKNOWN 7 RIVER NAME 39. Image analysis of Great Lakes study area, January 3, 1985 scale 1:1,000,000. Approximate 45 ------- REFERENCES Hoffer. R. "Biological and Physical Considerations in Applying Computer-Aided Analysis Techniques to Remote Sensor Data," chapter 5 of Remote Sensing: The Quantitative Approach, Swain, P., and S. Davis, eds.. McGraw-Hill, New York. New York. 1978. 47 ------- ' ,r /•* ;_ *• : -» •**• ------- |