Are Lake Superior’s In-shore Waters Frozen
The Great Lakes are the “Fifth Sea” and Lake Superior, the largest in both size dimensions and body of water volume, runs through the northern US and southern Canadian coasts. Every winter the lake freezes over to a certain extent, normally from the month of January until March. As the lake is surrounded by densely populated towns and cottages, it is often referred to as the “Superior Sea”.
The frozen state of Lake Superior is highly dependent on snow fall, air temperature, and strong winds which can rapidly de-ice the lake with winds of up to 15 to 20 mph. Since the lake is located in the coldest region of North America, it is naturally much colder than the other four Great Lakes. As a result, during winter, it’s wind chill factor makes it almost always completely frozen over.
Experts suggest that the thicker and dense ice on Lake Superior’s northern shore is far more dependable and thicker than any other part of the lake. Additionally, the ice can be a foot thick in some places, which makes it a safe haven for activities such as ice fishing, and winter sports like skiing. The dense ice is a miracle, as no matter how hard the winds blow, the ice remains solid.
According to research, the last time Lake Superior was completely frozen was back in 1995, when it lost almost 25 percent of its ice sheet. This also resulted in a considerable drop in water levels, and opened up channels in its system that have never been explored. Since then, most of the ice has melted and new waves of water swept across the lake, but with less frequency.
Despite its mild freezes, the lake’s depths still freeze over. It is believed that during the winter months, the deep icy waters of Lake Superior are darker and colder than usual. This is because the radiation from the sun reflects off the ice, while the colder dense water below prevents it from melting. This is why the deeper depth of the lake generally remains frozen throughout the winter.
The lake’s waters also continually change with the seasons, changing depths, temperatures, and water levels to accommodate a wide variety of aquatic life. The lake’s mysterious depths and inhabitants make it one of the most intriguing and intriguingly beautiful bodies of water on the planet.
The Impact of Winter Wind Conditions on the Lake
The winter wind conditions on Lake Superior can be very extreme and exceedingly unpredictable. Thus, the lake can take on a variety of characteristics such as sudden gale force winds, or period of stillness. These variations in wind can also have a strong influence on the lake’s ice formation.
For instance, strong winds can whip up huge waves that can easily break through the frozen sheet and cause it to shatter. In addition, strong winds can also cause ice floes to form, which can cover large areas of the lake in a very short period of time. This can cause dangerous conditions on the shoreline, where recreational activities can be disrupted.
Strong winds can also scrape away at the icy layers of the lake, stripping them away and exposing the deeper layers of the lake. This can be extremely harmful to nearby birdlife, as they are more susceptible to the cold and frozen waters. As a result, during particularly strong winds, it is essential for everyone to exercise extreme caution in terms of activities on the lake.
The Impact of Water Flow on Ice Formation
The amount of flow from the nearby rivers, along with the amount of precipitation can also impact the amount of ice formation on the lake. When the rivers are running fast, the water levels of the lake can be affected, resulting in more ice-free waters and lower levels of ice formation.
Furthermore, the warmer temperatures in the summer months can also have an impact on the ice formation on the lake. As the temperature rises, there is more water evaporation, which results in the depletion of the lake’s water levels. Thus, in the summer months, there is less ice on the lake due to the decrease in water levels.
The Impact of Climate Change
The effects of climate change can also impact the formation of ice on the lake. For example, the increased frequency of temperatures above freezing can result in more open waters on the lake, as the ice cover is more easily melted than it is naturally formed. Also, the increasingly warmer temperatures during the summer can melt more of the lake’s ice cover, leading to further reductions in water levels.
Moreover, the prevalence of higher temperatures can also bring about more storm events, which can lead to further destruction. If a severe winter storm were to hit the lake’s shoreline, the impact could have catastrophic implications for the area’s shoreline, marine life, and the lakes surrounding lands.
Though climate change can affect how frequently Lake Superior will freeze over, it is still heavily dependent on the winter winds which come and go.
The Benefits of Frozen Lake Superior
When frozen, Lake Superior is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Numerous activities like ice fishing, hockey, skiing, skating, and snowmobiling can be enjoyed. During the frozen period, the lake offers a unique opportunity for exploration and eco-tourism as well.
Ice fishing is a popular sport on Lake Superior, with controlled and monitored areas for this activity. The lake has thousands of fishermen who devote time to ice fishing and the lake provides a great opportunity for those looking for a unique adventure and some thrilling catches.
Hockey is also a big draw for those that enjoy the lake. With or without skates, people can glide across the lake’s ice, creating a photo opportunity and beautiful view of the lake.
Ice skating and snowmobiling also offer a unique experience, as the lake’s surface offers a unique opportunity to explore. The lake’s shoreline can also be explored on snowmobiles, offering visitors breathtaking views of the lake winter snow and plenty of photo opportunity.
Conclusion
The winter season on Lake Superior is an exciting and unique experience. With prolonged periods of cold and snow, the lake provides the necessary conditions for numerous activities like ice fishing, hockey, snowmobiling, and skating. The lake’s depths can also remain frozen for longer periods, allowing for more aquatic life to stay in its depths. Though climate change brings with it many challenges, there is much to be enjoyed and gained from Lake Superior during its signature season.
