Bertrand supposed that electrified clouds might locally attract and elevate the waters of the lake, and thus produce oscillations of level.
H.B.de Saussure, in 1799, attributed the phenomenon to rapid local variations of atmospheric pressure on different parts of the lake.

J.P.E.Vaucher, in 1802 and 1804, adopted de Saussure's explanation, and confirmed it by many excellent observations.

He, moreover, established that _Seiches_, more or less considerable, occur in all the Swiss lakes; and that they take place at all seasons of the year, and at all times of the day; but, in general, more frequently in spring and autumn.

As regards the cause of the phenomenon, Vaucher shows how rapid local alterations of atmospheric pressure would produce oscillations in the level of the lake, and compares them to the vibrations of a liquid in a recurved tube or siphon.

Finally, Arago maintained that _Seiches_ may arise from various causes, and traced the analogy between them and certain remarkable oscillations of the sea, including those arising from earthquakes.
But physical science is indebted to Professor F.A.Forel, of Lausanne, for the most complete and exhaustive investigation in relation to the phenomena of _Seiches_.