The Facts
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. The lake has a surface area of 58,000 square miles and it is bordered by Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. With a depth of 925 feet, it is the second-deepest of the five Great Lakes.
When it comes to the percentage of surface area that Lake Michigan typically freezes over in winter, the answer is: it depends. Over the past several decades, temperatures across the Great Lakes region have hit warm-season records, leading to a decrease in lake-effect snow. As a result, the overall freeze cover has not been as consistent or wide-reaching as it used to be.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, who is responsible for monitoring the Great Lakes, has noted that since the winter of 2014-15, Lake Michigan has generally seen an average of 6-13 percent of its total surface area frozen over each year.
So what causes this freeze, and how does it affect the lake? When temperatures dip low enough, the surface of the lake begins to freeze, causing ice to form. This ice hexes the water, preventing it from evaporating and drawing warmth from the surface. The newly formed ice layer then acts as a kind of insulation, keeping the deeper layers of water at a constant, more stable temperature.
Given that Lake Michigan is typically up to 200 feet deep, the ice layer does not reach its full thickness until winter’s end. Interestingly, between March and October, the total amount of ice cover typically hovers between 1-2 percent of the lake’s total surface area.
Impact
The freezing of Lake Michigan has a significant impact on the surrounding environment, both physically and biologically. From a physical perspective, ice cover affects the lake’s ability to absorb and reflect sunlight, as well as its capacity to absorb and evaporate water. This can cause changes to the lake’s temperature, level, and chemical makeup.
The ice cover affects the lake’s biological environment in multiple ways. For one, it reduces the lake’s oxygen levels, hindering the growth of certain aquatic plants and animals. This can cause disruptions to the lake’s food web and lead to declines in fish populations. It can also affect the lake’s native fish species, as cold-water fish are better equipped to survive in the colder temperatures brought on by ice cold. For example, Wyoming Lake trout, an important source of food in the Great Lakes region, can actually thrive in temperatures below freezing.
The freezing of Lake Michigan also impacts recreation, as ice cover can limit access to certain areas of the lake. This can put a damper on activities such as sailing, fishing, and water sports. Safety is also a factor, as frozen surfaces can be treacherous, especially in areas where there are large sheets of ice or snow.
Other Impacts
The freeze cover of Lake Michigan can also lead to increased flooding and erosion, especially along the coastline. This is due to the fact that the ice layer prevents storms from evaporating quickly, leading to higher water levels. The ice can also act as an abrasive, causing wear and tear on shorelines and weakening docks.
The ice cover can also impede transportation. Ship traffic must be curtailed when the lake’s ice cover reaches too far out. This can cause problems for ports and other businesses that rely on the lake for their trade. In addition, ice cover can interfere with navigation, as it can be difficult to tell which areas are safe for navigation and which are not. Ice can also cause damage to ships, so precautions must be taken when travelling on the lake during the winter months.
The freeze cover can also have an effect on lake ecology, as the ice can affect the lake’s algae populations. This algae forms the foundation of the lake’s food web and impacts the health of fish and other aquatic creatures. As a result, the freeze cover can have a significant effect on the lake’s overall flora and fauna.
Finally, ice cover can affect water quality. This is because the ice can trap pollution and contaminants, which can then seep into the lake’s ecosystem and contaminate the water. This can have serious consequences for wildlife and humans who rely on the lake for their water supply.
Prevention
To prevent the freezing of Lake Michigan, many scientists and environmental activists have proposed measures to reduce climate change. This includes reducing the amount of emissions from fossil fuels, promoting renewable energy sources, and lowering the demand for ever-increasing energy.
Various governmental initiatives have also been proposed to help protect the lake from ice cover. One of the most popular has been the Great Lakes Compact, which was approved in 2008 and aims to protect and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Compact’s main focus is to reduce pollution, protect habitats, and enhance water quality. It also outlines a strategy for maintaining existing water levels, which can help to prevent ice cover.
In addition, a number of local organizations have developed their own initiatives to help protect the lake. For example, the Great Lakes Water Authority, which is a collaborative board of several county and state entities, has worked to develop a network of monitoring stations and other measures to help reduce runoff, which can lead to decreases in runoff-induced ice cover.
Finally, technological solutions have been proposed as potential solutions to reducing lake cover. For example, geoengineering has been suggested as a way to reduce sunlight exposure, leading to cooler lake temperatures and the potential for less ice formation. Other proposed solutions include wave breaks and the installation of turbines, which can help to break up ice formation.
Analysis
Despite the efforts of many scientists and activists, Lake Michigan’s ice cover has been steadily increasing over the past decade. The percentage of surface area that typically freezes over on an annual basis has increased from 6-13 percent in 2014-15 to as much as 25 percent in some years. This can have a devastating impact on the local environment and economy, as the repercussions of more extended ice cover are far-reaching.
The increasing ice cover is a result of the global climate change, and it has become evident that more must be done to preserve the lake’s natural environment and ecosystems. The various initiatives and solutions that have been proposed are important steps in this direction, but they must be implemented quickly and with great success if we are to prevent the lake from falling victim to the harsh effects of climate change.
Impact on Human Habitation
The freezing of Lake Michigan does not just have an ecological impact, but a human one as well. The cities and towns on the shores of the lake are often subject to flooding, due to the ice cover’s interference with the lake’s surface level. This can lead to the displacement of people and businesses, as well as infrastructure damage.
In addition, the relocation of businesses and people can have a serious economic impact, as jobs will be lost and economic activity will slow. This can lead to stagnation in the surrounding communities, and can even lead to people leaving the area in search of a better life elsewhere.
Finally, the ice cover can also affect tourism in the region. Cold weather and icy roads can make it difficult to navigate the area, leading people to stay away and reducing tourist revenue. In addition, extended ice cover can reduce the visibility of the lake, leading to a decrease in the total amount of people who come to the area to enjoy its natural beauty.
Current Solutions
In an effort to reduce the impact of Lake Michigan’s ice cover, many organizations and individuals have developed innovative solutions. For example, some have proposed using heaters or air cannons to help melt ice that has formed on the surface, while others have suggested using various chemical solutions to help reduce the formation of ice altogether.
In addition, some individuals have proposed the use of man-made breakwaters and jetties in order to help protect the lake’s shorelines from eroding. These structures can act as barriers to the lake’s powerful waves, which can damage shorelines and infrastructure.
Finally, some have suggested the use of satellite technology to monitor the lake’s ice cover in order to determine which areas are particularly vulnerable. This information can be used to provide warnings of impending flooding and ice danger, allowing people to stay safe and prepare for incoming winter weather.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ice cover of Lake Michigan can be detrimental to the health of the lake itself and the environment that surrounds it. It has been shown to impact the biological and economic impacts of the region, as well as its transportation infrastructure. Efforts must continue to be made to reduce its impact, through the implementation of climate-change initiatives, technological solutions, and local initiatives. Only through these collective measures can we hope to preserve the beauty of Lake Michigan and its surrounding communities.
