How Cold Is Lake Superior In The Summer?
First off, it’s important to note that Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes. It has a surface area of 31,700 square miles and a maximum depth of 483 feet; more than twice that of the other Great Lakes. This immense body of water has an average temperature of 39°F (or 4°C) throughout the year, but water temperatures can vary drastically during the summer months, ranging from 45 – 60°F (7 – 15°C).
The temperature at the surface of Lake Superior depends on a variety of weather-related factors, as well as the mixing of warmed surface layers with deeper, colder water. The lake is usually warmer in the early summer due to its shallow depths and warmer air temperatures, and the lake usually cools by late summer and can fall below 50°F (10°C). This contributes to waves and cooler temperatures on the surface.
Experts believe that the wind and air temperature can also drastically affect the warmth of Lake Superior in the summer. The wind can stir up surface waters and mix with colder deep waters resulting in cooler temperatures. And, if the air is warmer than usual, the lake will heat up more quickly as heat from air enters the lake’s surface waters. On the other hand, if the air is cooler than normal, the lake may take longer to heat up.
Furthermore, researchers have noted that surface water temperatures in Lake Superior are often lower than those of the other Great Lakes. In fact, the surface water temperature range of Lake Superior during the summer months ranges from 45 – 60°F (7 – 15°C); while that of the other Great Lakes ranges from 67 – 78°F (19 – 25°C).
In addition, experts have asserted that the extreme annual temperature differences of Lake Superior often contribute to the cooling of its waters. During winter months, the lake can reach a low of -31°F (-35°C). This often helps offset the warming of Lake Superior during the summer months, resulting in cooler water temperatures.
What’s more, the size of Lake Superior is unique compared to the rest of the Great Lakes. The tremendous body of water is 4 times larger than the other Great Lakes combined and can store more volumes of cooler water from the depths. All of these factors come together to make Lake Superior cooler during the summer compared to the other Great Lakes.
Evaporation
Evaporation from lake surfaces also has a major influence on lake temperatures. During the summer, warm air passes over the lake surface and evaporates the lake water, cooling the lake. This additional cooling can extend the cooler temperatures well into the summer months. Also, deeper waters usually take longer to heat up than surface waters since there is no direct sunlight penetrating the deeper depths. As a result, this can also result in colder surface waters during the summer.
Rainfall
Rainfall can also play an important role in cooling Lake Superior during the summer months. During periods of heavy rainfall, the lake can become more diluted and colder. Rainfall can also contribute to lake mixing and help move warmer surface waters to the depths.
Lake Superior and Recreation
Although Lake Superior is much cooler in the summer compared to the other Great Lakes, it still plays an important role in recreation, swimming and fishing. Given the cooler temperatures of Lake Superior in the summer, swimming must be undertaken with caution and swimmers are encouraged to use life vests for safety. Additionally, fishing is popular on Lake Superior during the summer months and many types of fish can be found in shallow, warmer waters or deeper in cooler waters.
Implications
The cooler temperatures of Lake Superior have implications for many aquatic species. Cooler waters slow down the metabolism of fish and other aquatic species, resulting in slower growth and reproduction. Also, the cooler temperatures in Lake Superior can impact the distribution of species that are more adapted to warmer waters, such as some fish and aquatic plants.
Conservation
The conservation and protection of Lake Superior is an important issue for many who live near its shores. To that end, organizations such as the Great Lakes Fishery Commission are dedicated to improving the habitat and the environment of Lake Superior by promoting the conservation of the lake’s natural resources. Additionally, many communities have taken steps to reduce water pollution and nutrient runoff into Lake Superior in order to protect it from further harm.
Conclusion
Lake Superior’s temperature changes drastically during the summer months. Factors such as wind, air temperature, evaporation and rainfall all contribute to the cooling of Lake Superior during the season. Although the cooler temperatures can come with risks, there are still a variety of aquatic activities that can be enjoyed, such as swimming and fishing. When it comes to conservation, it’s important to understand how these changes can affect species within the lake and the various steps that can be taken to protect it.
