Background Information
Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of the five Great Lakes, holding 10% of the total fresh water of the world’s supply. It is the largest lake by surface area in the world and is located on the border of the United States and Canada. In the colder winter months, Lake Superior freezes and can be difficult to navigate due to the thick ice.
Current State of the Lake
Right now, Lake Superior is not frozen. As of February 2022, only 40% of the lake had frozen, with open water continuing in the south and middle of the lake. That said, the lake has been getting colder, with temperatures as low as -2 degrees Celsius in the naturally deeper parts of the lake. With the winter not over yet, temperatures are expected to get lower yet, giving the lake the potential to freeze.
Expert Perspectives on Freezing
Expert scientists and meteorologists generally agree that Lake Superior is likely to freeze, unless temperatures rise drastically soon. This prediction is based on historical trends, which have the lake tending to freeze completely by the end of the winter months. Considering the fact that the lake is in the process of cooling down, scientists believe that it is more likely than not that the lake’s entire surface will freeze by the end of winter 2022.
Potential Impacts of Freezing
If Lake Superior does freeze, there will be a number of direct impacts to the region. Firstly, tourism to the lake will be severely impacted, as frozen lakes are not typically enjoyable to many. Furthermore, industries that rely on the lake’s waters, such as fishing and transportation, will not be able to operate during the frozen months. Wildlife that rely on the lake for food and habitat may also be impacted, leading to a potential decline in species diversity in the region.
Analysis of Impact of Freezing
What will be interesting to note is the long-term impact of Lake Superior freezing this winter. In particular, the effects of the frozen lake on ice sheet dynamics and climate of the region will be worth noting. Further, the impact on ecosystems and species diversity, as mentioned before, will be of crucial interest to scientists studying the lake.
Temperature Management
Given the potential impacts of Lake Superior freezing, local authorities are taking steps to ensure that the lake’s temperature remains high enough to prevent freezing. One such step is the strategic installation of artificial reefs on the lake’s surface. These reefs help break up the waves on the lake, allowing warmer water to stay near the surface and reducing the risk of freezing. In addition, various studies have shown that the ice formation on the lake can be reduced by artificially dispersing salt into the water.
Public Education
Local authorities are also taking steps to educate and inform the public about the importance of keeping the lake from freezing. Specifically, authorities are focusing on educating the public on the consequences and potential impacts of a frozen Lake Superior and emphasizing the importance of taking steps to prevent it from freezing. They are also focusing on teaching the public about sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions, which could help to reduce the risk of the lake freezing in the future.
Management of Human Activity on Lake Superior
Finally, local authorities are proposing measures to better manage and regulate the human activity on and around the lake. Specifically, they are proposing measures to discourage people from participating in activities, such as boating, that could contribute to the lake freezing. They are also proposing measures to limit the amount of pollution that enters the lake, as this could also contribute to the lake freezing over.
Climate Change and Migration
Climate change is another factor that could have an impact on the future of Lake Superior. If temperatures continue to rise in the region, this could lead to more evaporation from the lake’s surface and lead to the lake’s level gradually decreasing over time. This could lead to the displacement of wildlife species, as well as impose potential impacts on the local economy and tourism industry.
Economic Effects
The potential impact of a frozen Lake Superior on the local economy is worth noting. Specifically, tourism and recreational activities are two major sources of income for local businesses and communities, and a frozen lake could lead to a significant decline in these activities for the duration of the frozen season. Further, a frozen lake could also lead to a decline in the local shipping industry due to navigation difficulties on the ice and the risk of boats getting stuck in the ice.
Policy and Governance
Given the potential impacts of a frozen Lake Superior, it is important for local authorities to enact policy and governance measures to protect the lake and ensure that it remains healthy. Specifically, local authorities should consider enacting measures to regulate and limit human activity on and around the lake, as well as measures to limit the pollution that enters the lake. Additionally, local governments should consider incentivizing businesses and individuals to take steps to protect the lake, such as investing in renewable energy sources or planting trees near the lake.
Nature Conservation and Preservation
Nature conservation and preservation measures should also be taken to ensure the continued health and longevity of Lake Superior. One such measure is the establishment of protected areas around the lake that humans are not allowed to access. Establishing such protected areas can help to limit the impacts of human activity on the lake and provide a safe haven for wildlife species. Additionally, local authorities should consider incentivizing businesses and individuals to take steps to conserve and protect the lake, such as by planting more trees around the lake or investing in renewable energy sources.
