Introduction
Does Lake Huron ever freeze? For many, it might appear that the five Great Lakes are too big for the entire body of water to freeze over. After all, during the winter season, Lake Huron is the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes and is over 206,000 square kilometers in size. But does this big body of water ever completely freeze over? Let’s find out.
What Is A Freeze-Over?
Before delving into whether or not Lake Huron ever freezes, it’s important to understand what a freeze-over is. A freeze-over of a body of water such as Lake Huron occurs when there is no open water left – meaning that the entire surface of the lake is frozen. This type of event can have far-reaching and long-term impacts on the environment.
Lake Huron’s Freeze History
One of the most substantial and widespread freeze-overs that have ever occurred in the Great Lakes region was in the winter of 1873-1874, when the entire region experienced a very cold winter. During this time-frame, almost all of the Great Lakes froze over completely – with the exception of Lake Huron’s shallowest areas, which remained open and unfrozen.
In February 1979, the entire area of Lake Huron became almost completely frozen over due to extra cold temperatures. This spreading of ice from one end to the other of the lake was referred to as an ‘ice bridge’.
Data shows that the near-freezing of Lake Huron does occur sporadically. However, it’s important to note that even temperatures that seem cold enough to freeze a large body of water like Lake Huron, the amount of time and the specific conditions and patterns of weather are all necessary components in order to create a fully frozen lake.
Factors Influencing Lake Huron’s Freeze-Over
The size of a body of water is an important factor when considering whether or not it can freeze over. While Lake Huron is large, its shallow parts are not consistently as deep or as wide as other bodies of water. Therefore, the freezing potential is reduced – making it more difficult for the entire body of water to freeze over.
The overall shape of the lake, as well as the mix and flux of fresh and saltwater, is a major contributing factor. This situation is the same in all five Great Lakes, which share the same fresh and saltwater mix. The saltwater prevents the frozen surface of the lake from being solid enough to hold the weight generated by a human, vehicle, or any other objects.
The presence of outside temperatures that are both consistently cold and consistently below 0°C play an important role in Lake Huron’s ability to freeze. Stable temperatures are especially necessary in order for the entire lake to freeze over, since the lake is so large.
Environmental Impact of A Freeze-Over
The possible environmental impacts of a full freeze-over of Lake Huron necessarily depend on the intensity of the cold and could range from minor to massive. Significant environmental changes can occur during or after a freeze-over, including changing habitats and the displacement of aquatic life.
Economic Effects Of Freeze-Over
In addition to the potential impact on the environment, freeze-overs of large bodies of water can also have an economic impact on nearby businesses. If a lake freezes over, it can significantly reduce the activity on the lake which reduces the engineering projects and construction activities.
In addition, freeze-overs can also impact the logistics industry. With a lack of open water, various forms of shipping including shipping, freight transportation, and boat tourism are heavily impacted.
Is Climate Change Affecting Freeze-Overs?
In the past several decades, there has been evidence that climate change is beginning to take a toll on Great Lake freeze-overs. With a decline in the number of freeze-overs during the winter season, experts are now noting that the coming winter weather will play a huge role in future freeze-overs.
Many experts now agree that climate change could be the cause of fewer freeze-overs of large bodies of water such as Lake Huron. This is due to a decrease in the number of cold days experienced during winter and an increase in milder weather.
Is The Follow-up Warnings?
The freezing of Lake Huron is a significant reminder of the potential for a full freeze-over. The large amount of ice that has frozen over in past winters, as well as the shortened window of cold temperatures, serve as a warning that a complete freeze-over of large bodies of water is possible and should be taken seriously.
As with other environmental changes, it’s important to stay educated about the potential for big environmental changes such as large freeze-overs of bodies of water. By understanding the impacts of these events, individuals and businesses can have a better understanding of the risks associated with a major freeze-over and be better prepared should a similar event occur.
Impact on Marine Life
Freezing large bodies of water, such as Lake Huron, has a major impact on marine life. Not only will there be a decrease in the number of available areas to live and reproduce, but there will also be an increase in competition between the surviving aquatic creatures.
The increasing competition amongst creatures may result in a decrease in their ability to feed and the population will begin to decline. During the cold seasons, fish are especially affected as they become stuck in the frozen waters, unable to move and unable to survive.
Government Interventions
Government interventions are also necessary to help protect marine life when freeze-overs can be predicted. Over the years, there have been regulations implemented by governments to try and manage and protect the Great Lakes and their inhabitants. These measures include curfews to protect the fish and other aquatic life, as well as restrictions placed on recreational and commercial activities.
In addition, government organizations such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been monitoring and taking measures to reduce the risk associated with freeze-overs and other climate-related effects.
What Can We Do?
While an individual cannot control the weather, there are steps that anyone can take to help protect the lake. One of the most important things to do is to be aware of the potential for a freeze-over and to be prepared for it. Additionally, limiting phosphate-containing products, avoiding large lakes during cold winter months, using less energy, and conserving water can also help in mitigating the risk of a full freeze-over.
By making conscious decisions and being aware of the potential impacts of a freeze-over, individuals and businesses have a chance to protect the lake and be better prepared for large-scale freeze-overs.
