The currents of Lakes Michigan and Huron / John C. Ayers.

INTRODUCTION

The information presented in this booklet is part of the results of a continuing program of research designed to provide various kinds of fundamental
information that are needed in the solution of practical problems in the Great
Lakes. Knowledge of the currents is one of these basic types of information.
That currents directly affect navigation and recreational boating is obvious --
but that they also contribute to shore erosion, to silting-up of harbors, to the
spreading of pollution, and to the distribution of fish-foods is not so evident
though just as true.
This pamphlet has been prepared by the Great Lakes Research Institute at
the request of the Great Lakes Cruising Club. It presents in non-technical
language our present information about the surface currents of Lakes Michigan
and Huron. The material given here is an abridgment of more detailed technical information contained in "Currents and Water Masses of Lake Huron" and
"Currents and Water Masses of Lake Michigan," both being publications of the
Great Lakes Research Institute of the University of Michigan.
No pretense is made that the surface currents shown here are the only
ones possible, but there is a considerable body of evidence that the current
patterns for prevailing-wind conditions (also called the "normal" currents) are
representative of the usual currents in the two lakes. The current speeds obtainable from the current charts are average speeds. Local currents may vary
from the speeds indicated on the charts by as much as tenfold, either faster
or slower.
No effort is made to indicate possible uses of the material contained in
this booklet. The author, the Great Lakes Research Institute, the University
of Michigan, and the Great Lakes Cruising Club are not responsible for incidents arising out of the use or misuse of the information here presented.
Charts 1 and 2 give the common-place names referred to; they are included for the reader's convenience.

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