Bottom current observations over sloping topography.

• Jomar Camacho Garay, Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

• Joseph Kuehl, Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware

Lake Superior and the Texas Coast are two large water bodies that play a critical role in their regional climate and ecosystem. However, their hydrodynamics are complex and not entirely understood, especially in the lower sections of water. The goal of this project is to analyze data collected from these lower sections of water to gain a better understanding of these water bodies. To do this, sensors were moored into the floor of these locations. The Seahorse Tilt Current Meters were used to collect data from both Lake Superior and the Texas Coast. In addition, on the Texas Coast CT Hobo sensors and RBRsolo T sensors were also deployed on mooring lines in a cross-topography section. These instruments are designed to measure water bodies’ temperatures and bottom currents. The data collected was then plotted and analyzed using MATLAB to understand the mixing in the stratified water column of Lake Superior and the wave patterns on the shore of the Texas Coast. The analysis of the Great Lake revealed that there is mixing in the stratified water column of Lake Superior. This is significant as it can affect the lake’s ecosystem and climate. Understanding lake mixing is crucial for forecasting and managing regional lake climates and ecosystems. On the other hand, the analysis on the Texas Coast showed shoaling internal wave patterns near the shore and less of this behavior as we moved in depth throughout the topography. These wave patterns affect the sediment transport in the shoreline and consequently the coastline morphology. In conclusion, the project has shed some light on the dynamics of these large water bodies. The results of the analysis will be useful for forecasting and managing regional climates and ecosystems. The data collected will also be useful for future studies on these water bodies.