Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes, is known for its expansive and everchanging weather. Its size and geography allow it to become affected by the many seasons of the region, and it is not uncommon for it to freeze over. But the question remains – is Lake Superior frozen today?
The answer to that question depends on the time of year that it is asked. For much of the winter months of December, January, and February the lake is certainly frozen, often times becoming completely iced over. From January and February to March and April, it is more likely for ice to be located near the shore and in more shallow areas of the lake. In April and May, the temperatures during the day and night become more consistent and the ice is less likely to remain. In the summer months, the lake is rarely frozen, with temperatures that bring the lake to life.
When determining the answer, many environmental experts look at the air and water temperatures. Temperature readings taken throughout the year show that the lake usually freezes when the water drops below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit, 0 degrees Celsius). The air temperature is also taken into account. If it is colder than usual, the lake is more likely to freeze. Even if the air and water temperatures do not meet the criteria, a sudden, extreme drop in temperature or a harsh winter storm can cause the lake to freeze over, even in the summer months.
Having said that, it is important to understand that although the majority of the Great Lakes freeze during the winter, Lake Superior does not freeze as often as other lakes due to its size. Additionally, because the lake is so large, any ice that is formed is more likely to be pushed around or broken apart by wind and wave action. This means that even if the surface of the lake appears frozen, the ice is not always solid or thick enough to support a person’s weight.
Another factor to consider is that, generally, the shorelines tend to freeze at a faster rate than the deeper areas of the lake. This means that if the shoreline appears to be frozen, it does not necessarily mean that the deeper parts of the lake are frozen as well. Not only can these conditions be dangerous for someone who may be walking or playing on the ice, but also for any animal that may be relying on an open passage of water for seasonal migrations or other activities.
It is important to note that Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes are an integral part of the environment, and the state of their freezing and thawing has a direct impact on the lives of many living creatures. Some fish species and other aquatic organisms rely on the lake being in a certain state, and any changes can have a negative effect on their survival. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when traveling on or near the lake and to be aware if the lake is frozen or not.
The Impact of Climate on Ice
The effects of global climate change are commonly felt around the world, and one of its key indicators has been the year-round freezing of ocean and lake surfaces. According to one study conducted by the University of Delaware, warmer winter temperatures can mean that Lake Superior ice coverage is reduced by as much as 15-50 percent by the end of the century.
These changes to temperatures can also have an impact on ice formation and duration, meaning that a winter season may see less ice coverage and a shorter duration of ice coverage than has been previously seen in the area. This could mean more open water in the winter and potentially more dangerous conditions for people and aquatic life.
Studies have also suggested that the formation of large ice sheets in the lake can occur in decades, making Lake Superior slower to react to climate changes when compared to other parts of the world.
In addition to temperatures, climate changes can also affect the water levels of Lake Superior. The lake level can be affected by changes in the amount of precipitation as well as changes in the winter snowpack, resulting in a greater volume of snowmelt and higher lake levels during the spring and summer months.
Melting Global Ice Sheets
Researchers from the University of Delaware also found that melting ice sheets from areas such as Greenland and Antarctica can contribute to lake level shifts in inland areas such as Lake Superior. They estimate that a one metre rise in sea levels would cause a water level increase in Lake Superior of 34 centimetres. This could bring disruption to the navigational boundaries and habitats on the lake.
In addition, this displacement of water could bring an influx of saltwater, further stressing out the delicate ecosystem of the great lake. Increased levels of saltwater can cause many species of fish and other aquatic organisms to lose their ability to survive, as almost all of the species of fish and other aquatic organisms in the Great Lakes have evolved to survive in fresh water.
The study also found that the water level of Lake Superior has already increased by 18 centimetres in the last 80 years, and the rate could soon accelerate due to melting glaciers and ice shelves causing sea levels to rise. This increase will likely cause more disruption to Lake Superior’s environment and the species that inhabit it.
Ice Watching
In order to monitor the effects of climate change, many organizations dedicate their time and resources to ice watching. Ice watching is the practice of monitoring ice formation on the waters of Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes to devise potential solutions to climate change and other environmental issues that may arise due to changes in the environment.
By understanding the intricacies of the lake’s environment and the year-round changes that occur, researchers and activists can better arm themselves with information to help protect the environment of the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior.
Each year, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory compiles information and resources to better understand the impact of climate change on the environment and to provide tools to help researchers and activists protect the lake and its inhabitants. This often includes data and resources focused on the wintertime ice formation process and how the data collected can be used to develop strategies for protecting the environment.
Impact on Indigenous Communities
When it comes to the effects of climate change, Indigenous communities are often at a higher risk as their traditional ways of life and relationship with the land can be disrupted. For instance, many Indigenous communities that were previously dependent on the Great Lakes for sustenance and for trade are now having to adjust to the changes in the lake’s environment.
It is important to note that with the changes in Lake Superior’s ice levels and temperatures, Indigenous communities are having to adjust the way they fish, hunt, and trade in order to survive. In many cases, this means a decreased or limited access to certain species of fish or aquatic animals, or a disruption to their traditional methods of farming, hunting, and trading.
The effects of climate change on Lake Superior have also brought an influx of non-native species of fish, posing threats to the local ecosystem. As ice watchers and research organizations continue to seek out answers, it is important to also consider the impact that climate change has on the Indigenous communities living and relying on the lake.
Deoxygenation and Algae Blooms
Climate change can also affect the level of oxygen in the water, as warm water often has lower levels of oxygen than cold water. This can cause an increase in deoxygenation of the lake, which can further disrupt aquatic life and their habitats. Marine organisms rely on oxygen for respiration, and a decrease in oxygen can cause a decrease in the health of the aquatic organisms.
In addition, warmer water temperatures can also cause an increase in the prevalence of algae blooms in the lake, leading to further reductions in oxygen levels. Algae blooms can have long-lasting impacts on the environment, and if left unchecked, can eventually lead to the collapse of the aquatic ecosystem.
The organisms that live in the lake rely on oxygen levels in the water to survive, and any significant drops could lead to the demise of many of the species that currently inhabit the lake. For this reason, it is important to take precautions when looking to preserve the lake’s aquatic populations.
Conservation Efforts
There are many organizations currently looking to protect the environment of Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes. These organizations are devoted to researching the effects of climate change on the lake and its inhabitants, utilizing data analytics and ice watching to develop strategies for a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Additionally, many of these organizations are devoted to the restoration of aquatic species, both native and non-native, in order to repopulate the lake and its other habitats. By rehabilitating the environment of Lake Superior and its surrounding areas, it is possible to create an ecosystem that is more resilient to climate change and future disruptions.
Organizations such as the Great Lakes Century are devoted to the conservation of the Great Lakes region and offer a wide range of resources for research, conservation, and education. By engaging in conservation efforts and helping to protect the environment of Lake Superior, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for the lake’s many inhabitants.
