Winter can be a harsh time in the Great Lakes region. By January, Lake Superior is usually in the thick of a frigid cold snap where temperature below zero are the norm. But is Lake Superior frozen in 2022? That is the question many dwellers of the Great Lakes region wish to know.
The answer to this inquiry isn’t straightforward. Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes, covering an area of 82,000 square kilometers. This vast body of water isn’t just a single monolithic mass, but is composed of a series of layers of varying depths and temperatures. At any given time, the water at the surface is frozen while the deeper layers remain liquid.
Though scientists can’t predict accurately the likelihood of Lake Superior being frozen in 2022, they can provide some long-term trends. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Lake Superior’s ice cover tends to be lower in the winter months of 2022 than in years before. Climate change has also played a role in Lake Superior freezing later and melting earlier than it once did.
The Great Lakes region likewise experiences frequent strong weather events such as lake effect snow, hailstorms and thundersnow. All of these can drive the temperature of the lake lower, which in turn can lead to more ice coverage. Local meteorologists suggest that during especially cold winters, it is more likely for Lake Superior’s surface to freeze, even if temperatures never reach zero.
Experts suggest that if Lake Superior were to freeze solid, it could have impacts on the region’s aquatic life, ecosystem, and overall health of the lake. Although temperatures remain cold, most of the lake’s fish species can generally survive under the ice. During what is sometimes referred to as “the winter of the ice season”, these species may be under severe stress and require more resources to survive. The long-term effects of this are yet to be clear.
The changing climate in the Great Lakes region is also affecting the length of aquatic seasons and the amount of ice cover on the lake. As global warming continues to take effect, Lake Superior’s winter freeze dates are being pushed farther back in time. The longer ice-cold season can lead to declining fish populations and an overall worse-off ecosystem.
Impact on the Economy
On the economic front, a prolonged winter freeze on Lake Superior could lead to a drop in tourism. The winter months are usually the peak season for recreation activities on the lake, such as ice fishing and snowmobiling. With less ice coverage, fewer people would be likely to visit the lake and partake in the popular winter activities.
Furthermore, decreased ice coverage on Lake Superior could mean decreased shipping on the lake. With its expansive size, the lake’s proximity to cities throughout the region makes it an ideal shipping route. During winter months the lake is often crossed by ships carrying grain and other goods, but if the lake is not frozen over, ships may be forced to detour around the lake, thus losing time and money.
Native American Communities
One population seriously affected by a frozen Lake Superior are the Native Americans who live on the lake’s shoreline. Since time immemorial, the Indigenous people of the region have relied on the ice for food and transportation. Ice fishing remains a beloved tradition among many Native American communities and during a frigid winter the ability to traverse the lake on the ice provides invaluable access to traditional territories and resources.
Without a frozen Lake Superior, the livelihood of these communities would be disrupted. From hunting and fishing to simply being able to visit elders and family members on the opposite shore, the lack of an icy winter could have serious impacts on the lives of Native Americans in the region.
Environmental Impact
Changes in Lake Superior’s water levels have long-term implications for the surrounding environment. When the water levels are low and frozen, the amount of water makes its way into upper ponds and wetlands that have a critical role in balancing the area’s ecosystems. Without their normal water levels, these smaller bodies of water and the organisms that inhabit them become compromised, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.
At the same time, any changes to the lake’s water levels are also connected to the flow of rivers and streams in the area. A frozen Lake Superior can cause the rivers to slow down during winter, leading to sediment build-up and algae growth. This can further endanger vegetation, animals and even the humans who depend on the lake for sustenance.
Warming Climate
Climate change is the single most important factor in determining when Lake Superior is likely to freeze. Over the last few decades, the region has warmed significantly and this has had an impact on the lake’s ice cover. As global warming continues, the effects on the lake can only worsen, leading to later freeze dates and earlier melting.
In order to keep this vital resource intact, proactive steps have to be taken to prevent further degradation of the environment. From renewable energy sources to improved land management, residents of the Great Lakes region can help keep the future of Lake Superior’s winter freeze secure.
International Cooperation
Another major factor in determining the future of Lake Superior is international cooperation. The lake of course straddles both the US and Canada, making it a vital resource for both countries. To ensure Lake Superior’s long-term wellbeing, the two countries need to come together and agree upon a collaborative plan for the lake’s upkeep.
This will involve examining current policies and regulations and seeing how best to coordinate usage of the lake sustainably. This could include setting limits on shipping and fishing, more carefully managing the lake’s water levels and preserving the lake’s natural habitats and wildlife.
Impact on Future
In the end, the answer to the question of whether Lake Superior will be frozen in 2022 is uncertain. Nature deals in probabilities, not absolutes. However, one thing is certain: in order to ensure the lake’s long-term health, the people of the Great Lakes region need to come together and work towards preserving the lake’s icy winter weather.
It won’t be easy and it won’t be quick, but with cooperation and commitment, the future of Lake Superior is by no means sealed. Now is the time to take action, to chart a course for the lake and for the region.
Education
To ensure the future of Lake Superior, more attention must be paid to educating people about its importance and the need to conserve it. Formal education programmes can shine a light on the value of the lake and its relation to the region’s culture and economy. At the same time, awareness campaigns can educate people about the impacts of their actions on the lake’s environment and inspire them to take steps to reduce their environmental footprint.
Though protecting Lake Superior won’t be easy or quick, the people of the region need to invest in its future. Only with cooperation and commitment is it possible to keep this great lake frozen in the winter of 2022 and many years to come.
