As the biggest and deepest of the five Great Lakes of North America, it is no surprise that many people wonder if Lake Superior ever freezes over. Located between the United States and Canada, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by total surface area and it is home to numerous species of fish and birds, among other things.
Winter time temperatures on the shore of Lake Superior can vary widely, ranging from the occasional mild days of 20-30℉, to periods of subzero temperatures dipping as low as -22℉. This incredibly large expanse of water exhibits varying levels of water clarity, depending on the season and the localized weather conditions. By November the lake has usually reached a point of significant icing across its shores, with a significant portion of the lake surface frozen by January, however the lake does not typically freeze over.
Many people assume that because of its large size and relative shallow depth of anywhere from 133 feet to 483 feet, that Lake Superior would freeze over each winter. However, due to the presence of “cold break” currents along the shore of Lake Superior, the ice that forms during the winter months can be inconsistent on a local level. Cold break currents are areas where water enters the lake from a nearby cold source, like one of the rivers that feed the lake, and can make ice less stable with localized areas that remain open, due to the colder temperatures these currents bring with them.
As the abundance of freshwater in this area also counteracts the harshness of winter temperatures, winds coming from the southern end of the lake will tend to be more forgiving than those further north. This coupled with the prevalence of cold break currents, allows for a more temperate and hospitable habitat for aquatic wildlife, which can survive and thrive without the need to migrate.
Although the surface of Lake Superior may be ice-covered for a good portion of the winter season, this does not usually result in a complete freeze-over. Even with winter temperatures at their lowest, cold break currents and the relative shallow depth of the lake still allow for warm water and a number of available surface areas and inlets for fish, birds and other aquatic creatures to access.
The scientific community has long been fascinated by the geology of the lake, and in the late 1800s, scientists began to undertake a number of studies to better understand the mechanisms at work in the lake. By studying the lake’s surface temperatures and wave patterns, as well as exploring how precipitation and pollution could be impacting the lake’s water levels, scientists were able to piece together a better understanding of Lake Superior’s unique ecosystem.
In recent years, research has shifted focus to understanding the impacts of climate change on both the lake and its tributaries. In response to the data collected, the region has seen an increase in conservation efforts and education, with a goal of better protecting and preserving the lake’s natural resources.
How Does Climate Change Impact the Freezing of Lake Superior?
The relationship between Lake Superior and climate change is one of crisis. With temperatures in the Great Lakes region rising steadily in recent years, winters have become less severe and springtime temperatures have become increasingly unpredictable. This unrelenting trend of climatic fluctuations have also impacted the timing of ice cover on Lake Superior. As climate change continues to cause temperatures to rise and vary from year to year, the lake’s ice cover is expected to further shrink, leading to the possibility of increased instances of the lake never fully freezing in winter months.
Furthermore, the unpredictability of temperatures and weather conditions across the lake is expected to further disrupt the usual patterns of Lake Superior’s seasonal ice cycle. Areas of the lake that were previously counted on as reliable sources of cold, which would act as a barrier against ice melting, could potentially become sources of warmer water in the future.
As part of efforts to combat global warming, several efforts have been made to reduce the amount of pollution in the lake’s tributaries and nearshore areas, including the implementation of more stringent regulations on air and water pollution. These and other initiatives have seen moderate success in recent years, leading to an inrelative increase in the lake’s water clarity and health.
Ultimately, global warming presents a great threat to Lake Superior and its surrounding ecosystem, as it does to all other freshwater sources worldwide. Short term, the lake is expected to see an increase in mild winter temperatures, further decreasing the chance of the lake fully freezing over in the winter months.
What Are the Environmental Benefits Of Lake Superior Not Freezing Over?
The most immediate benefit of an open Lake Superior is one of added diversity of wildlife and biomes. As previously mentioned, with the presence of open water, fish and earthlings flock to the area, setting up their annual home bases. This added biodiversity increases the overall biodiversity of the region, leading to more balanced and stable ecosystems.
Another positive human-impact of Lake Superior not freezing over is that it acts as a natural heat transfer. With open water, localized temperatures remain fairly steady, leading to fewer instances of extreme cold weather. As such, areas around the lake have traditionally relied less on outside sources of energy, such as electricity or fuel, to maintain livable temperatures during winter.
Both of these factors represent important contributions to the well-being of the region. The added diversity of species, coupled with the designated of additional energy sources, ultimately result in better management of resources and more efficient use of funds.
What Are the Challenges of Lake Superior Not Freezing Over?
The most obvious challenge of Lake Superior not freezing over, is the risk of flooding and shoreline damage. With ice absent from the lake, waves and currents can be relatively powerful, and prolonged periods of high water levels can lead to damage to shoreline areas. Water levels have already been on the rise in the area in recent decades, leading to concerns of flooding and other increasing instances of damage to property near the lake.
Similarly, a lack of ice can complicate winter travel for ships that traverse the lake. The lack of a clear path of ice can lead to navigation difficulties and potential consequences. This risk is compounded by the presence of unstable weather patterns, which have become increasingly frequent in the area since the onset of climate change.
To address these mounting issues of navigation and flooding, local governments and organizations have made significant investments in both shoreline protection and navigation technology, in order to more accurately predict and address the needs of the area. Despite the increased resources, it is clear that the management of Lake Superior presents unique challenges that only become further complicated as temperatures rise and ecosystem function shifts.
What Are The Economic Benefits of Frozen Lakes?
Despite the clear implications of climate change on the lake’s seasonal freeze, it is still important to consider the economic benefits of frozen lakes. In more traditional ice-covered seasons, industries such as transport and tourism can take advantage of the ice as a means of access. It is considerably easier to traverse large lakes with a vehicle when the surface is frozen, potentially leading to new opportunities for businesses located in the region.
Additionally, the presence of a frozen lake can act as a draw for tourists. Each winter, when waters freeze, small towns in the region see an influx of visitors looking to take advantage of the frozen lake and other fun activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. As such, these areas become increasingly popular winter destinations for visitors from all over North America.
Perhaps one of the more important economic benefits of frozen lakes is the increased access it provides to resource harvesting. Depending on the region, frozen lakes can represent opportunities for access to commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as providing access to sand and gravel materials needed for various construction projects.
The presence of ice-covered lakes has also had a major influence on local recreation and lifestyle. Many of the towns in the area treat the seasonal lakes as common grounds, sharing resources and skills between residents. As such, the presence of a frozen lake can also act as a support system for the region, creating a foundation for increased cooperation and development.
What Are The Limitations of Frozen Lakes?
As beneficial as a frozen lake can be to a region, there are several potential drawbacks to consider. With decreased access to water, the maintenance of docks and other infrastructure becomes increasingly difficult, as does the ability to take advantage of recreational water activities. This is exacerbated in areas where the lake freezes for a longer duration or where the ice is stronger and thicker than normal. In such cases, the presence of ice can act as a barrier between people and their access to the lake.
Furthermore, colder weathers often bring with them the risk of frozen pipes and other infrastructure damages, which would further limit access to the lake. Additionally, colder temperatures can also lead to the formation of ice ridges, which are large pieces of ice that form when fluctuating temperatures cause sheets of ice to move and thicken in certain areas. Ice ridges can be incredibly dangerous, as they can damage vessels and potentially injure operators as they move through the lake.
The presence of a frozen lake can also act as a barrier to aquatic life, in that it limits or eliminates access to the water for fisheries and other aquatic species. As such, it is important to monitor drawdown, or the gradual and seasonal decline of the lake’s water level, as it relates to fisheries and other aquatic ecosystems to ensure the sustainability of the lake’s resources.
How Can We Prepare For Possible Changes In Lake Superior Water Levels?
With the anticipated increase in water levels and fluctuating temperatures, it is important to understand both the within-year and long-term impacts of these changes in order to properly adjust and develop mitigate efforts. Strategies such as conservation measures, water management, and shoreline protection provide a strong foundation for preparation and provide the necessary tools to address the effects of climate change, both on the human population living on the lakeshore and the wildlife that occupy the region’s ecosystems.
Additionally, local governments and organizations should look to further study and exploration of the lake’s water, climate, and shoreline habitats in order to better understand and respond to potential changes in the lake’s water levels. As part of this effort, research into local species and longer term historical trends should be conducted to gain a better understanding of how the lake’s ecosystems are changing and how they can adapt and respond to new pressures brought on by climate change in the future.
Finally, education and outreach on the lake’s ecology and the potential effects of global warming should be emphasized to the whole community. It is essential that we are all educated on the challenges faced by our environment, and this will allow us to make informed decisions on how to best protect our natural resources now and into the foreseeable future.
