Climate Change and the Lake They Call Gitche Gumee | North Coast Chronicles

September 30, 2021

Lake Superior: Rising water and diminished ice

The fourth episode in the North Coast Chronicles: Tales from the Great Lakes series by host, Helen Brohl, investigates "Climate Change and the Lake They Call Gitche Gumee."  The Chippewa referred to Lake Superior as Gitche Gumee (or gichi-gami in modern Ojibwa language) which means "big sea" or "huge water."  The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world by surface area but is showing signs of impact from climate change.  Dr. Jay Austin is a professor, department head, physical oceanographer and limnologist from the Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota, Duluth who joins North Coast Chronicles to share his expertise on the nature of this fresh water wonder.  Working with other lake scientists from around the globe, Dr. Austin reports that joining together many lake condition reports presents an excellent overarching look on the impact of climate change on the Earth. He also shares the results of many years of thermal observations through multiple buoy stations around Lake Superior.  Bonus conversation on passive acoustic sounds in the lake - do freshwater fish really talk?!  Helen and podcast producer, Tyler Buckingham, start the podcast with a critique on Lake Erie wines courtesy of Heineman's Winery on South Bass Island, Ohio. Which wine is the best kept secret?



Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Helen Brohl

Helen Brohl is a Great Lakes gal, having grown up on the south shore of Lake Erie and a lifetime of summers on Middle Bass Island. Helen understands the Great Lakes as a valuable resource with a Master's Degree from The Ohio State University in Great Lakes Land and Water Use Policy and as an economic engine for the nation with almost 40 years of experience in maritime transportation and trade development. Helen previously worked as professional staff on the U.S. Congressional House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, with NOAA's Office of Coast Management, did trade development for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, was the Director of Marketing for the Port of Chicago, the Executive Director of the U.S. Great Lakes Shipping Association, and retired in January 2023 after almost 17 years as the Executive Director of the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System in Washington, DC. Follow along as Helen shares the nature, folk lore, and charm of the Great Lakes!