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The Role Of Extratropical Cyclones In Shaping Dunes Along Southern And Southeastern Lake Michigan, Brian Yurk, Edward Hansen, Suzzanne Devries-Zimmerman, Zoran Kilibarda, Deanna Van Dijk, Brian Bodenbender, A. Krehel, T. Pennings

Zoran Kilibarda

This study investigates the impacts of extratropical cyclones on Lake Michigan dune complexes by integrating fi eld measurements and meteorological data from sites along the southeastern shore. Surface changes and wind velocities were monitored at Hoffmaster State Park, Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, and Mount Baldy at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore from October to April in 2010–2011 and 2011–2012. Over 70% of the events with wind speeds at least two standard deviations above the mean were associated with extratropical cyclones. The wind directions depended on the cyclone path, with westerly or southerly components most common. Local conditions moderated the effects of …