Lake Superior is one of the great lakes of North America and is the largest. It spans 255 miles from east to west and also 350 miles from north to south. It’s a vast body of water often referred to as “The Big Lake”. The lake has an incredible amount of shoreline, with over 3,000 miles of rocky shore and 5 separate countries with lake frontage on its shores. This great lake has frozen over many times. In fact, the lake even froze completely over in the 1990’s.
The first recorded freeze over of Lake Superior occurred in February 1825 when the lake completely froze. This was documented in multiple reports dated February 1825. The reports described how the entire lake was completely frozen over, making it possible to cross over on the ice without any difficulty. This particular freeze over lasted longer than usual and many people were able to make use of the frozen lake, fishing and doing other activities on the ice.
The frosty winter of 1817-1818 also froze the lake and allowed many people to cross to Isle Royale. This was a large winter and the cold was harsh and long, allowing the lake to freeze for an extended period of time. It’s believed this freeze over in 1817-1818 was much like the one that happened in 1825, but it’s hard to be certain since records from the time are sparse.
The lake regularly froze over in the 19th century. From 1876 to 1893, the lake froze over for at least eight consecutive winters; the most recent freeze over, however, occurred during the winter of 2003-2004 when temperatures dropped to levels that caused the lake to completely freeze over.
The irregularity of Lake Superior’s freeze over is due to the fact that Lake Superior’s ice season, can be shortened or extended by several weeks. It is possible for the lake to remain partially frozen even when most of theother Great Lakes are partially thawed. This is due to the fact that Lake Superior is the coldest and deepest of the Great Lakes, and its temperatures stay lower longer than any of the other Great Lakes.
Factors Contributing to The Lake’s Freeze Over
A number of factors contribute to Lake Superior’s freeze over. Temperature is one of the primary factors affecting when the lake freezes over. The average surface temperature of the lake is between 35 and 37°F, and in the deep parts of the lake, the temperature is closer to 30°F. During the winter months, when the air temperature drops below 32°F, the relatively warm lake water fails to keep the surface of the lake from freezing.
The shape of the lake also has an effect on when the lake will freeze over. If the lake is deep and wide, like Lake Superior is, it can take longer for the lake to freeze over than a smaller, shallower lake. This is because large bodies of water take longer to cool down than shallow lakes, and the cold air over a large body of water also has a longer reaching effect.
In addition to temperature and size, the lake’s circulation also affects its freeze over. The lake’s depth, current velocity, and shape can influence how long the lake remains frozen. The lake’s water levels also have an effect. When the lake is higher than normal, the water takes longer to cool down, resulting in a longer freeze over.
What Are the Effects of Lake Superior Freezing Over?
When Lake Superior freezes over, it can have a number of impacts on the environment, people, and animals. For one thing, ice can interfere with the transportation of goods to and from the lake, as well as recreational uses of the lake such as ice fishing and snowmobiling. In addition, ice can cause a disruption to aquatic ecosystems, as well as a disruption to the human activities that rely on the lake, such as commercial fishing.
It’s also important to consider the effects on the climate. When the lake’s surface freezes, it prevents the heat from the water below from being released into the atmosphere; this can inhibit spring equinox temperatures from reaching normal levels. In addition, the lake can form sheets of ice due to strong winds that can cause shoreline erosion and damage surrounding properties.
The freeze can also have an impact on wildlife. The lake ice blocks access to some areas of the lake. This can interfere with the migration of fish and birds that rely on the lake for food, protection, and breeding grounds. In addition, the ice can interrupt mating behaviors and nesting sites, causing further disruption to the lake’s wildlife.
What Are The Benefits of Lake Superior Freezing Over?
Though freezing can certainly have a negative impact, it can also provide benefits. For starters, a Lake Superior freeze over can mean an increase in recreational activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. In addition, the formation of ice on the lake’s surface can protect it from temperatures that are too cold, and it can put an end to the winter’s strong winds, making the lake safer for vessels to travel.
The freeze over can also preserve the lake and its shoreline, by preventing erosion from high waves and large storms. It also plays an important role in controlling the water temperature and can help to preserve water resources and preserve aquatic plant, animal, and bird life.
The freeze over can also help the local economy by allowing for more economic opportunities, such as tourism and the sale of winter sport related goods and services. In addition, ice-related jobs, such as ice harvesting and ice fishing, can help to keep the local economy thriving.
Protecting the Lake From Freeze Over
Due to the potential impacts of freeze over, there are a number of measures people can take to protect the lake from its effects. One important way is to reduce pollution and runoff that can alter the lake’s temperature and circulation. In addition, people can reduce their energy use and carbon footprint by conserving energy and using renewable energy sources. There are also a number of ways to prevent shoreline erosion such as planting vegetation or installing jetties. Finally, people can practice responsible land-use and animal management practices to help protect the lake’s sensitive ecosystems.
Warming Climate and Freeze Over of The Lake
Due to climate change, the freeze over of Lake Superior is becoming more rare. With the rise in temperatures due to climate change, the lake’s natural freeze over is occurring less often, and for shorter periods of time. This can have a significant impact on the lake and its ecosystems, as well as the people and wildlife that depend on the lake for their livelihoods.
It’s not yet known how this change will affect the lake in the long-term, but it’s important to take action to protect it. Reducing pollution and caring for the lake’s natural ecosystems can help to preserve its integrity and ensure a healthy lake in the future.
Global Warming and Its Impact on Lake Superior’s Freezing
Global warming has caused average temperatures to rise, leading to shorter periods of freezing for Lake Superior. In fact, in recent years, there have been long stretches of time when the lake has not been frozen at all, even during the coldest winter months. This change in climate is attributed to the increase in global temperatures, as well as the melting of the Arctic ice. The shorter periods of freezing can have detrimental effects on the lake’s ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit it.
In addition, global warming can cause the lake to become warmer and more turbulent. This can be problematic for the lake’s delicate ecosystems, as they are unable to tolerate the heat and increased storm activity. It can also cause an increase in the number of algae and bacteria, which can decrease water quality and lead to a decrease in water clarity.
Finally, global warming can cause an increase in evaporation and a decrease in precipitation. This can lead to changes in lake level and can also disrupt aquatic food chains, as the lake’s salt concentration can vary dramatically.
Conclusion
Lake Superior has been frozen over on multiple occasions throughout history. The lake’s freeze over is affected by a number of factors, including temperature, size, circulation, and water levels. Though freezing can have a negative impact, it can also provide benefits such as providing recreational opportunities and protecting the lake from temperature extremes.
With rising temperatures due to climate change, the lake’s freeze over is becoming more rare. It’s important to take measures to protect the lake from its effects, such as reducing pollution, conserving energy, and using responsible land- use and animal management practices. It’s also important to be aware of the impacts of climate change on the lake and its inhabitants, as this can have a dramatic effect on the lake’s delicate ecosystems.
