| The spatial variability of temperature in the agricultural region of Southwestern Ontario is highly influenced by the Great Lakes. Data transects were established along each of the Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Daily minimum and maximum temperatures were taken from 25 stations during JJA 1998–1999. Regression equations were constructed in order to incorporate lake influence on temperature variation. It was determined that the Belle River and Vineland regions were significantly influenced because they were situated between two lakes. The other transects influenced by a lake in one direction, were affected to a lesser degree and were more accurately modeled. The compounding effects of two water bodies needs to be further researched at higher scale resolution and possibly with the inclusion of more meteorological variables, GIS and satellite data. Although further research was recommended, the regression estimated temperatures were sufficiently accurate enough to be used within the Tomcast disease warning system. |
