Book 30, Question 36
What is a seiche?
A seiche is a slow back-and-forth sloshing of water in a lake, like water moving in a bathtub.
Strong winds or sudden changes in air pressure push water toward one end of the lake. When the wind stops, the water flows back and rocks back and forth for hours. On Lake Erie, a seiche can make the water level rise and fall by several feet.
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Quick answers
What is a seiche?
Seiches are typically caused when strong winds and rapid changes in atmospheric pressure push water from one end of a body of water to the other.
Source: NOAA
More fun facts
- Standing waves can form in any enclosed or semi-enclosed body of water, from a massive lake to a small coffee cup.
- The water then continues to oscillate back and forth for hours or even days.
- A seiche may occur in any semi- or fully-enclosed body of water.
- On a much grander scale, the same phenomenon occurs in large bodies of water such as bays and lakes.
Sources: NOAA
Questions kids ask
Which lake is known for seiches?
Lake Erie is known for seiches, especially when strong winds blow from southwest to northeast.
Source: NOAA