Definition of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is part of the five Great Lakes, which are located between the United States and Canada. It is the second-largest of the Great Lakes, covering an area of more than 22,300 square miles. Lake Michigan also has a large population of fish and wildlife and is a popular tourist attraction.
A Detailed Look at the Freezing of Lake Michigan
Most of the Great Lakes freeze over at some point in the year, but Lake Michigan is an exception. Over the last two decades, the surface area of Lake Michigan that is freezing each winter has increased in size from 10% to 44%. This is due to a trend of colder temperatures in the fact that the lake’s surface area is not as exposed to heavy weather systems when compared to the other Great Lakes.
In addition, the average temperatures around Lake Michigan have also decreased. This is related to an increase in the global accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As a result, less heat is being sent upward and more heat is being held down in the Lake Michigan region. This leads to conditions that best support the formation of ice and snow on Lake Michigan.
The Impact of Human Activity
Human activity also plays a role in the freezing over of Lake Michigan. Developments around the lake can change the way the lake receives heat, as well as the lake’s water levels. An increase in the amount of human development can disrupt the lake’s environment, leading to the formation of thick ice layers in certain areas.
Additionally, activities such as sport fishing and boating can change the movement of the lake’s water, making it easier for ice to form. Due to this, it is essential for people engaging in Lake Michigan activities to be mindful about how their actions can affect the lake and its environment.
Role of the Weather
Weather patterns are one of the biggest factors that contribute to the frozenness of Lake Michigan. Cold days combined with snow and high winds can increase the amount of ice on the lake. But, mild temperatures and prolonged rain periods can prevent ice from forming and can even thaw out the existing ice.
The Lake Michigan region is prone to extreme and unpredictable weather events. Winter storms, such as the Bomb Cyclone that hit the Midwest in early 2019, have the potential to freeze a large portion of Lake Michigan. Without such storms, it is estimated that only 40% of Lake Michigan’s surface area would normally freeze over.
Problems Associated with Lake Michigan Freezing Over
Although freezing over of Lake Michigan can seem beautiful to look at, it can cause significant problems. These extend from a decrease in water quality to an imbalance in fish populations. An increase in ice can limit the amount of oxygen available in the lake and has the potential to leave behind large amounts of sediment. This can significantly reduce the populations of aquatic lifeforms, such as fish and other underwater organisms.
In winter, Lake Michigan ice can also be dangerous, as it is strong enough to support weights. People have been known to ice skate and even walk on Lake Michigan ice, with potentially fatal consequences if it breaks unexpectedly.
Measures Taken to Tackle Ice on Lake Michigan
Various measures have been taken in recent years to reduce the amount of ice on Lake Michigan. The most popular measure is the placement of ice breakers. These boats use their strength and weight to push away ice and keep it from forming. This helps to keep the lake open and is instrumental in ensuring safe navigation on the lake.
Ice riprap, which consists of large stones positioned along shorelines, is also used to reduce ice. The stones absorb the impact of waves generated by storms and the rock formations act as barriers to stop ice from forming in those areas.
Economic Impact of Ice on Lake Michigan
The freezing of Lake Michigan can have a detrimental effect on the economic activity and water supplies of the area. During the winter, ice creates a barrier between the lake and its shorelines, effectively disrupting trade and affecting the transportation and recreational activities around the lake.
Ice can also cause problems with the city’s water systems, as the freezing of pipes near the lake can prevent homes and businesses from accessing clean, safe water. In addition, the freezing of Lake Michigan’s surface area can lead to higher costs for water treatment, as it generally requires more energy to pump water during the winter.
Oil and Gas Drilling
Recent developments in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, technology have made it possible to efficiently access previously inaccessible oil and gas beneath the surface of Lake Michigan. Energy companies want to explore the lake’s vast amount of oil and gas reserves, but environmentalists are concerned about the potential impact of drilling on the lake and its natural environment.
The drilling of oil wells has the potential to cause a variety of environmental problems, such as water and air pollution, as well as a disruption of habitat. It can also affect the lake’s biodiversity, both directly through damage to the lake’s habitat and indirectly through the introduction of pollutants and contaminants into the lake.
Moving Forward
Given the potential consequences of oil and gas drilling on Lake Michigan, careful decisions need to be made. Various studies have recommended that drilling in the lake should only be allowed in certain areas where the most rigorous safety standards are met. A strict monitoring system must also be put in place, to ensure that the impacts of any drilling activity are mitigated before they become too serious.
Furthermore, Lake Michigan stakeholders should come together to discuss the lake’s future. Ideologies should be questioned and partnerships should be formed to ensure that the lake is better managed in the future. This will help to protect the lake from the potential harms associated with climate change and oil and gas drilling.
Impact of Climate Change
As the planet continues to warm, the frequency and intensity of winter storms impacting the Lake Michigan region are expected to increase. This can lead to longer and more protracted freezing periods for the lake, as well as an increase in the severity of storms.
The impacts of climate change are already being felt in the Great Lakes region. Warmer temperatures have resulted in the disappearance of ice cover across the Great Lakes in recent years. This has led to a drop in water levels and an increase in the amount of warm water being pumped into the lake during the summer months.
Role of the Public in Addressing Climate Change
To help reduce the effects of climate change, the public can take action. Basic steps, such as reducing fossil fuel consumption and recycling, can make a difference in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
In addition, individuals and communities can join forces to protect the environment and the Great Lakes. This can involve activities such as beach cleanups and water quality monitoring. Everyone has the ability to play a role in protecting and preserving the environment of Lake Michigan, and everyone’s actions can make a difference.
Conclusion
The freezing of Lake Michigan is a complex process. The lake’s environment is influenced by a variety of factors, including the weather, human activity and climate change. Lake stakeholders must come together to protect the lake from the potential harms associated with these influences and to ensure a sustainable future for the lake and those who rely on it.
