The Climate of Lake Superior
Lake Superior, a freshwater lake that is the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America, is a beautiful site to behold. Throughout its decades of existence, climate change has had a major impact on its water temperature. With an elevation of 600 feet above sea level and surface area of over 31,700 square miles, the lake was extremely sensitive to the effects of global warming.
The current water temperature of Lake Superior ranges from 33-45 degrees Fahrenheit (1-7 Celsius), depending on how deep the water is. Much of the water near the surface has higher temperatures. On summer days, the water temperature near the shores can be as high as 70 degrees
The direct influence of the weather on Lake Superior is the primary cause of its temperature range. According to climatologist Silvana Ciccarelli, it is affected by the climatic conditions such as wind, sunshine, temperature, and humidity. These conditions help determine the temperatures of the lake and also influence other climate-related processes, such as evaporation.
In addition to its current water temperature, Lake Superior’s temperature is also affected by the presence of ice and snow, which freeze the lake during winter and cause the surface temperature to drop drastically. For example, during a cold winter day, the water temperatures near the shore can plummet to between 33-37 degrees Fahrenheit (1-3 Celsius), but deeper water remains unchanged, due to the insulating effect of the ice.
The lake’s water temperature also depends on the amount of pollutants that are introduced into the lake. Pollutants such as chemicals, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff can raise the lake’s temperature, which can subsequently affect marine life. For this reason, state and local governments have put measures in place to limit the amount of pollutants that are allowed in the lake’s water.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has implemented water quality standards and provided educational resources in an effort to protect the lake. It has conducted research to understand the impacts of climate change on Lake Superior and to better understand the current water temperature.
In general, Lake Superior’s current water temperature is stable, despite the influence of weather conditions, pollutants, and other factors. In fact, the lake’s overall temperature has remained relatively consistent since the early 2000s, when it was first catalogued by climate scientists.
Factors Contributing to Lake Superior’s Temperature
Several factors contribute to Lake Superior’s water temperature, such as the quality and amount of the water flowing in from its source rivers, and the amount of heat the sun provides to the lake. As well, the presence of pollutants can alter how much heat is retained in the lake, which can cause a rise in the water temperature.
In addition, winds blowing across the lake can affect surface temperatures. In summer, the lack of cloud cover exposes more of the lake to the sun, leading to an increase in temperature. During colder months, the temperature reduces when winds blow over the lake, cooling it.
Furthermore, the amount of ice and snow accumulation on the lake’s surface also affects its temperature. As the sun induces melting in the ice, the water stored deep beneath the ice is gradually released, thus raising the lake’s temperature. On the other hand, if there is significant snowfall, this can act as an insulating layer and prevent the lake from experiencing deep temperature changes.
The surrounding land and vegetation play a role too. Forests, for instance, can insulate the lake, resulting in lower surface temperatures, whereas land without vegetation can cause higher water temperature due to the effect of solar radiation.
In the end, the prevailing weather conditions and the amount of human-induced pollutants greatly affect the water temperature of Lake Superior. Without proper management, even slight changes in temperature can throw off the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
The Effect of Pollution on Lake Superior’s Water Temperature
Excessive pollution has had a direct impact on Lake Superior’s water temperature. In particular, the presence of fecal coliform bacteria, which originate from sewage treatment plants and agricultural run-off, can be a significant threat to human health and can worsen water quality.
In addition, toxins produced by industry and other pollutants, such as oil and pesticides, have found their way into Lake Superior, which has also caused an increase in water temperature. According to research conducted by the US EPA, the introduction of pollutants has significantly raised the average water temperature in the lake by one degree.
Not only are pollutants harmful to the health of people and wildlife, they can also interfere with the sensitive interlocking food-chains in the lake, which can cause disruption in the existing ecosystem. Fish may, for instance, struggle to thrive in polluted and warmer waters, thus impacting species in the lake.
Pollution also causes the growth of harmful algal blooms, which can reduce the lake’s oxygen levels and make it unfit for the survival of aquatic life. The incorporation of phosphorus and nitrogen pollutants in the lake accelerates algal growth, leading to yet another change in temperature.
To tackle this problem, the US EPA has established the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which funds various public and private organizations to conduct research and invest in remediation projects to keep the lake healthy, and help maintain its current water temperature.
Resources for Managing Pollution and Protecting the Lake
Various non-governmental and governmental organizations have been established for the purpose of managing the pollution in Lake Superior and protecting its overall well-being. The Great Lakes Commission, for instance, is an inter-governmental body that works to preserve, restore, and sustain the Great Lakes and adjoining waters, including Lake Superior.
The commission works with membership states, other governments, and environmental agencies to set policies, develop innovative strategies, and carry out programs to promote scientific and socioeconomic research, conservation, and restoration.
In addition, the US EPA, in collaboration with other state and local organizations, has established the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Program. This program works to minimize pollutants that are discharged into the lake, while also restoring and protecting significant fish and wildlife habitats.
The US Geological Survey and US Fish and Wildlife Service have also introduced several programs to protect the lake and its inhabitants, such as the Stream Self-Assessment Program and the Fisheries Information Management System. Through these programs, the agencies aim to reduce the sources of pollution and maintain clean water.
The Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council has also worked towards the preservation of the lake by building dams and installing numerous stormwater pipe systems, which help reduce the amount of pollutants that reach the lake water.
Conclusion
Lake Superior’s current water temperature is generally consistent, but external factors such as the weather, pollutants, and the lake’s size can all contribute to fluctuations in the temperature. Through enforcement of water quality standards and protective programs, governments and non-governmental organizations are devoted to preserving and restoring the lake and conserving its optimal water temperature.
