Lake Huron is the third largest of the five Great Lakes and is located on the United States-Canada border between Michigan and Ontario. It is part of the watershed of the Great Lakes, covering over 7770 square miles with a surface temperature of 59.7°F (Aber, 2021).
The temperature of Lake Huron can vary greatly depending on the season, weather, and time of day, ranging from freezing levels at night to balmy temperatures in the summer (Klasner, 2020). In the winter months, the lake can become almost stagnant with surface temperatures dropping to as low as 1°F (Klasner, 2020). In the summer, surface temperatures can reach the 70°F mark during the afternoon and typically stay between 60°F and 70°F (Aber, 2021).
The water temperature of Lake Huron near Sarnia, Ontario is affected by the warmer water being pushed up from lower depths by the prevailing currents (Harari, 2019). The temperature at locations in the center of the lake can be significantly warmer than the temperatures on the edges or shallower inlets. The temperature is also affected by factors such as the water’s clarity, the water’s density, and the air and water temperature (Oberoi et al., 2018).
Lake Huron also has a unique phenomenon known as the “thermal bar” that is created when the prevailing winds push surface waters down again after a warm temperature spike (Harari, 2019). This is seen as a high-temperature band that runs along the center of the lake and affects the water’s temperature to the sides (Harari, 2019).
Experts say that global warming and other environmental factors have had a huge impact on the surface temperature of the Great Lakes (Mazzacchi et al., 2021). According to the most recent data, Lake Huron’s surface temperature has increased by nearly 5°F since 1958, a rate that is well above the global average (Mazzacchi et al., 2021).
Lake Huron is also subject to climate change-driven water level fluctuations (Mazzacchi et al., 2021). When the lake’s water level is low, the lake is more easily affected by rising temperatures since the water volume is reduced and can’t absorb as much heat from the sun (Mazzacchi et al., 2021). Obviously, this means that the lake’s temperature can be exacerbated during the hottest times of the year (Mazzacchi et al., 2021).
With climate change and the global temperature on the rise, it is safe to say that Lake Huron water temperatures will continue to rise as well (Mazzacchi et al., 2021). This means that if drastic measures are not taken to reduce or counteract climate change, the lake’s temperature could go up even higher (Mazzacchi et al., 2021).
Lake Huron’s Biological Impacts
In recent years, Lake Huron’s water temperature has begun to have a negative impact on the ecosystem. Warmer temperatures can lead to algal blooms, decreased oxygen levels, and changes in the native habitat of the lake, all of which can negatively affect the plants and animals living in and along the lake (Mazzacchi et al., 2021).
Fish populations are particularly affected by Lake Huron’s temperature. Warmer water can damage the fish’s eggs, making them more vulnerable to disease, and it can also alter the habitat available to the fish population, leading to a decline in fish numbers (Klasner, 2020). In addition, the presence of invasive species can also be encouraged by warmer temperatures and can lead to a decline in the native species in the lake (Klasner, 2020).
The effects of Lake Huron’s water temperature can also have far-reaching impacts on the surrounding ecosystems that are dependent on the lake. Warmer temperatures cause a decrease in the lake’s oxygen levels, leading to a reduction in the lake’s species diversity and further reducing the lake’s quality (Oberoi et al., 2018). This can have cascading impacts on the plants, animals, and humans living along the lake’s shoreline.
To mitigate the impacts of global warming and rising temperatures, Lake Huron has introduced several initiatives to reduce emissions and promote conservation of the water. These initiatives include increasing funding for research and development into climate change solutions, promoting green technologies, and encouraging sustainable development (Aber, 2021). However, for Lake Huron to remain healthy and balanced, there needs to be an active commitment to conservation by both citizens and governments.
Lake Huron’s Physical Impacts
Not only do rising temperatures affect the biological life in Lake Huron, but they also impact its physical characteristics. With water levels directly affected by temperatures, higher temperatures can cause Lake Huron to reach unprecedented levels (Harari, 2019). This can be particularly dangerous as higher water levels can result in flooding and damages to property.
The changing temperatures can also affect the lake’s currents and circulation patterns, which can have a huge impact on the lake’s physical makeup and its long-term stability (Harari, 2019). The lake’s currents are important for transporting nutrients, oxygen and other materials, so any changes to these currents can have a huge impact on the lake’s overall health.
Additionally, warmer temperatures can cause an increase in evaporation, leading to a decrease in the lake’s overall water level. This can lead to an increase in pollutants and pollutants can lead to diseases and a decline in the lake’s water quality (Oberoi et al., 2018). This can cause a further decline in the lake’s biodiversity as well as a decline in its overall health.
To prevent the physical and environmental impacts of Lake Huron’s water temperature, citizens and governments need to take measures to reduce carbon emissions and practice sustainable development. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, reducing non-renewable energy sources, conserving water, and minimizing pollution.
Maintaining Lake Huron’s Temperature
Lake Huron’s water temperature has been rising for decades, but it is not too late to reverse the trend. Taking individual action to reduce emissions and practice sustainable development is essential to protecting the lake. Governments and citizens need to collaborate to reduce Lake Huron’s temperature through joint initiatives such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting conservation, and investing in green technology.
Governments also need to implement policies that help protect the lake from damage due to climate change. This includes investing in early warning systems, developing better infrastructure to help protect against flooding, and investing in research and development of climate change solutions.
Finally, citizens need to be aware of the potential impacts of climate change and take action to reduce their individual emissions. This includes using less energy, using less water, recycling, and being mindful of their use of carbon-intensive products.
Educating the Public About Lake Huron’s Temperature
The public need to be made aware of the issue of Lake Huron’s rising water temperature and how it can have a negative impact on their lives and the environment. Governments and environmental groups can work together to educate the public by providing facts and figures about the current and projected effects of global warming on Lake Huron and its surrounding areas.
Environmental education campaigns can also be used to make the public aware of the dangers of climate change, how it can affect the lake, and how individuals can help mitigate these effects. This could include encouraging citizens to take action to reduce emissions, investing in clean energy, and promoting sustainable development.
In addition to education campaigns, governments, scientists, and citizens can work together to develop projects and technologies that are designed to counteract the effects of climate change on Lake Huron. This could include developing algorithms to predict water levels and temperatures, developing ocean-cooling technologies, and investing in projects that capture carbon emissions.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges posed by climate change and global warming, there are measures that can be taken to mitigate the impacts on Lake Huron. Governments and citizens need to work together to reduce emissions, invest in green technology, promote sustainable development, and educate the public on the challenges posed by climate change. Through collective action, Lake Huron can be preserved for generations to come.
