Background Information About Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest and most northern of the Great Lakes of North America, located on the Canada – US border. It is the largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, covering an area of 31,700 square miles and stretching 350 miles from east to west and 160 miles from north to south. It is a long and deep freshwater body of water and has a number of islands, covering a total of 1,300 miles of coastline. It is a major source of drinking water and recreation for both Canadian and American populations, as it is home to many fish species, mammals, and bird life.
Average Temperature
On average, Lake Superior’s waters are the Coldest of the five Great Lakes, maintaining a low average temperature of between 39-41°F during summer months and around 40-42°F in winter months. The warmest recorded temperature of the lake is 64 °F. Temperatures remain steady throughout the year as the lake’s immense depth and size prevent seasonal variations; and because the lake is connected to the great Atlantic Ocean by Hudson and St. Lawrence Rivers, warm and cold ocean currents too, further stabilize the temperatures.
Factors Affecting The Temperature
The air temperature above the lake surface is the most influencing factor; and the lake’s water temperature is could be affected by the lake’s depth, which helps to regulate temperature. The lake currents play a vital role as well, carrying heat from the surface to the deeper waters. And the location of the lake too affects the temperature as it is located in a cold climate and can receive heavy snowfall and strong winds during winter months.
Thermal Stratification
Thermal stratification is a crucial aspect of the lake’s temperature regulation. It is the process where the surface water layers of the lake experience different temperatures, depending on the location. Winter temperatures can range from 36°F in the deep waters to 46°F in the shallow waters, whereas the range during summer months is 34°F to 70°F. The average temperature difference between the surface and bottom layers of Lake Superior is approximately 6°F.
Weather And Local Conditions
Weather changes also affect Lake Superior’s temperatures significantly, as strong winds and cold air currents can quickly cool down the lake waters. Local conditions such as the lake’s current environmental situation, the presence of ice, and the presence of wetlands around the lake alsodefine the lake’s temperatures.
Impact On The Surroundings
The lake’s temperatures have a large impact on its surroundings, such as the wildlife and plants living in the lake. The lake supports a wide array of fish, mammals, and bird species, all of which aretied to Lake Superior’s stable temperatures. Algae growth is also hugely dependent on the lake’s temperatures, encouraging a highly productive and diverse aquatic ecosystem.
Air Temperature
The air temperature above the surface of Lake Superior directly influences the temperature of the water and is an important factor in the long-term temperature of the lake. Most of the time, the air temperature can range from 20°F in winter months to 75°F in summer months. During the cold winter months, the air temperature can also be lower than the lake’s surface temperature, resulting in the lake acting as a heat source in the surrounding environment.
Urban Development
Urban development and global climate change are two of the biggest threats to the lake’s temperatures today. Rising temperatures due to global warming are creating more strain on the lake’s delicate environment, causing an increase in algae growth, changes to the breeding seasons of the fish and wildlife, and an influx of waterborne diseases.
Shoreline Effects
The proximity to the Lake Superior shoreline also influences the lake’s temperature. Onshore breezes can bring in warm humid air from the warmer land and also bring in cooler air from the shore. This process can cause dramatic changes in temperature in a very short space of time.
Climate Change
Climate change is resulting in increased algae growth, invasive species,shrinking of lake ice and warm water species that are straining the lake’s delicate ecosystem. Experts are predicting that Lake Superior’s temperatures will continue to rise, resulting in a decrease in fish and wildlife populations, and leading to an unstable environment.
Invasive Species
Invasive species are non-native species that are not present in the lake’s natural ecosystems. These species are highly aggressive and are not affected by the lake’s temperatures, meaning they can easily spread and choke out native species.
Mitigation Strategies
To preserve the health and stability of Lake Superior, various mitigation strategies are needed. One such strategy is the implementation of clean energy plans in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change. Furthermore, management plans should be enforced to limit invasive species, ensure fishing quotas and regulate development around the lake to ensure its natural surroundings are protected.
Role Of Technology
Technology is also playing a role in understanding Lake Superior’s temperatures and environment. Technology such as sensors, remote sensing, and data analysis can help monitor the lake’s temperature and determine the extent of lake ice, algae growth, and effects of global climate change.
Conclusion
Lake Superior’s temperatures play a large role in maintaining its unique and delicate ecosystem. It is essential that efforts are made to mitigate the effects of climate change in order to preserve the lake’s temperatures and its fragile natural environment.
