Background
Lake Michigan is the second largest of the five Great Lakes. It is located in the United States and is approximately 307 miles long and 118 miles wide. Its surface area is roughly 19,000 square miles, which is just slightly smaller than the state of West Virginia. Lake Michigan is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as high winds, blizzards and cold fronts. In the winter months, when the available surface area for evaporation is reduced, the lake ice cover forms and expands.
Relevant Data
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has reported that as of February 8, 2021, 52.8% of Lake Michigan is covered in ice. This is significantly higher than the average seasonal ice cover of 38.2%. It is clear that colder temperatures and strong winds blowing from smaller lakes into the main lake have caused a much faster rate of ice formation this winter. The ice cover is thicker than most years; 20 to 30 cm compared to the usual 12 cm.
Expert Perspectives
Experts have offered a variety of perspectives on the lake’s current condition. According to National Weather Service Hydrologist Casey Burtness, the lake has been experiencing very cold temperatures, particularly in the northern region of the lake. He noted that this has been beneficial for ice formation, leading to its rapid growth in the last few weeks.
Burtness also mentioned that the coasts of Lake Michigan have generally remained hazy and relatively free of ice, while the central part of it has experienced more consistent freezing. Strong winds from adjacent lakes are also contributing to the rate of freezing, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the lake.
Mark Breederland, a professor of geography at Michigan State University, expressed his agreement with Burtness’ observations, adding that the continually low temperatures and consistent winds have been key drivers of ice formation. He believes that the ice cover of Lake Michigan should remain intact for the remainder of the colder months and only break up come spring.
Insights & Analysis
It is clear that extended periods of cold weather have been the crucial factor behind this winter’s impressive level of ice formation. With temperatures being several degrees lower than the seasonal average combined with cold wind blowing in from nearby smaller lakes, the total surface area of the lake affected by ice formation has been considerably greater than of previous years.
The ice cover of Lake Michigan appears to be considerably thicker than what is seen in most winters. This is likely another result of consistent cold weather, as the cold air is better able to penetrate the deeper portions of the lake. It is also possible that the high rate of freezing has caused a thickening of the ice near the coasts due to the concentration of cold air caused by the winds.
Currently, there are no signs that Lake Michigan’s ice cover will breakup anytime soon. Those living in the surrounding areas can expect a frozen lake for the remainder of the winter season.
Dangers of Lake Michigan Ice
The rapid ice formation of Lake Michigan has also come with certain dangers. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has warned residents to be mindful of the thinness of the ice in areas near the coast. These locations are particularly vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature and wind, so anyone traveling on or near the ice should do so with caution.
Ice shanties, which are often set up by ice fishermen, should also be monitored closely. These are typically light structures that can be easily moved around, but if not managed properly, they can become destabilized by strong winds and can drift away from the shore. This can be a risk to anyone on or near the lake and must thus be avoided.
Aside from these risks, the ice cover of Lake Michigan can also take its toll on the environment. Scientists have noted that the weight of the ice can cause smaller lakes to freeze to the surface of the main lake, thus reducing their average depth. This can have potentially harmful effects on the ecology of the surrounding areas and should be considered in future management plans.
Economic Impacts
The current rate of ice formation of Lake Michigan can have both positive and negative impacts on local economics. On the one hand, ice fishing and recreational activities on the lake can greatly benefit from the extended season of available surface area, resulting in more profits for businesses in the area. On the other hand, some sectors such as shipping and transportation can suffer from the freezing of the lake.
When the lake freezes, commercial vessels are unable to navigate and transport their goods across the lake. This can lead to delays and higher costs for customers, as well as reduced profits for transportation companies. In addition, the reduced availability of shipping routes further limits the movement of goods, thus reducing the efficiency of the shipping industry.
Social Impact
The extended season of ice cover on Lake Michigan has also caused changes in the behavior of people living in the area. Local businesses have seen an increase in the number of customers participating in ice fishing, snowmobiling and other outdoor activities. This has had a positive effect on the economy and has provided a much-needed boost to tourism during the pandemic.
At the same time, the reduction in available transportation routes has led to fewer jobs and increased costs for residents. This has further exacerbated the already struggling local economy, as many businesses had to lay off workers in order to cut costs.
Moreover, the extended duration of the lake’s ice cover has disrupted the normal patterns of migration for birds. Birds normally migrate in a northerly direction during the spring and summer months, but with the lake now still partially frozen, their migration routes are now shifted further south.
Environmental Impact
The ice cover of Lake Michigan has had a variety of effects on the environment. On the one hand, the unique geography of the lake creates a natural buffer against the cold winter winds, thus helping to regulate the local climate. On the other hand, the extended duration of the ice cover has caused a disruption in the natural cycle of life in the lake.
Because of the thick ice, the normal cycle of photosynthesis and respiration is disrupted. This can lead to oxygen depletion and an overall decrease in the productivity of the lake. Moreover, the weight of the ice can also cause erosion of the shorelines, making them more vulnerable to flooding and damage.
The extended season of ice formation has also led to an increase in the number of algae blooms in the lake. Algae blooms deprive the water of oxygen and can have devastating effects on fish and other aquatic life. They can also reduce the water’s ability to absorb nitrates and phosphates, further contributing to pollution.
Conclusion
52.8% of Lake Michigan is reportedly frozen over as of February 8, 2021. This is significantly higher than the average seasonal ice cover of 38.2% and is largely due to colder temperatures and intense winds pushing ice formations into the lake. There appear to be both positive and negative implications of this sudden freeze, with local business benefiting from the influx of tourists while transportation companies and residents suffer from the lack of available shipping routes.
The environment has also experienced a variety of changes as a result of the extended season of ice formation. Algae blooms have increased, reducing the water’s ability to absorb nitrates and phosphates and causing oxygen depletion. Still, the unique geography of the lake can act as a natural buffer against cold winter winds, helping regulate local temperatures.
