Checking the Pulse of Lake Erie

A traditional Chinese physician begins by checking the pulse of his patient. More than merely determining heart rate, he examines various levels of the pulse and its energy balance between the two sides of the patient. From this quick examination he can estimate the overall health of the patient and make some assessments of where potential problems may lie. So too, this monograph of current research on Lake Erie covers a breadth of investigations at various depths. Here we re-check" the pulse of Lake Erie in several ways and examine the overall status of the health of the patient: the Lake Erie ecosystem. This patient was certainly due for a check-up and reappraisal. It is hoped that the papers this voluminous volume will provide a current and integrated assessment of the health of Lake Erie ecosystem, and serve its role in providing in-depth information and data to students, researchers, managers and policy makers interested in the conservation and protection of Lake Erie.