The amount of water in the Great Lakes is ever-changing. Lake Michigan is the most critical since it accounts for the majority of the Great Lakes’ total water supply. The US Army Corps of Engineers have been monitoring water levels since the 1950s and have found that since the late 1990s, levels have been steadily rising. This has caused alarm in many areas, as the effects of rising water levels can be drastic.
This water level rise is mainly due to the melting of the polar ice sheets and global warming. As the ice melts, more water enters the ocean bases, resulting in an increase in sea levels. This phenomenon is not isolated to the Great Lakes region; it has been taking place all over the world. In terms of Lake Michigan, the rise has been especially prominent due to the long period of time that has elapsed since the peak of the ice age.
The effects of this water level rise can be both negative and positive. On the one hand, the lake has engulfed land and has made places uninhabitable to people living close to the shorelines. This can lead to displacement and other economic setbacks. Furthermore, the higher water levels have made it difficult for fishermen to navigate the waters, which has affected the fishing industry in the area.
On the other hand, the rise in water levels has been beneficial for the fishing industry. With the influx in water, an increase in nutrients for the fish results in better marine life in the lake. This can be especially advantageous for commercial fishers, as more opportunity for catching fish translates to a better economic outcome.
The main concern is that the water level is likely to rise in the future. Scientists have predicted that this trend is likely to continue and that the consequences could be disastrous if preventative measures are not taken. Already, the US Army Corps of Engineers have been working to construct dikes and reinforce the shorelines in areas most prone to the negative effects of rising water levels.
The Lake Michigan water levels are highly interconnected with both local and global climate change conditions, making it a complicated issue to address. Climatologists have noted that the long-term rise of the water level is due to natural climate cycles, primarily changes in Hawaiian temperatures. This further accentuates the challenges that come with managing the water levels in Lake Michigan as the problem is not isolated and requires an overall global solution.
Changes In Shipping Industry
Another repercussion of the rising water levels in Lake Michigan has been the changes to the shipping industry. The deeper waters require bigger ships to navigate the lake’s new depth, which has meant significant shifts in operations for businesses. To accommodate the larger vessels, companies have had to make costly and timely adjustments such as retrofitting infrastructure and investing in different systems. Even for those companies not directly affected by the lake’s water levels, the increased cost of shipping across the lake has had an impact and has meant that companies have had to increase their prices to stay competitive.
Affect Of The Water Levels On Economy
The water level rise in Lake Michigan has had ramifications at both the local and national level, with economic consequences being particularly profound. One of the main reasons for this is that the higher water levels have affected ports and canals, resulting in fewer ships being able to navigate in and out of them. This has caused an economic setback mainly for businesses in the industrial and maritime sector. Furthermore, it has also been detrimental to local shops, restaurants and properties that are situated along the lake. With fewer visitors coming to the lake, there has been a decrease in revenue and tourism.
Environmental Impact
With nautical miles being widened along the lake, flora and fauna have been significantly affected as ecosystems connected to the lake’s shorelines have been disrupted. As a consequence, there has been a decrease in water-dependent species as well as a proliferation of non-native species, who have taken up habitation in the newly formed islands dotted across Lake Michigan. This has added an extra strain on the resources and habitats of the area, as the new species consume the natural sources.
Adapting To Climate Change
With the water levels continuing to rise, it is evident that actions must be taken to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Governments, companies, and individuals must make a concerted effort to introduce sustainable practices to reduce the effects of the water level rise. This could include the implementation of green energy sources, the development of efficient transportation networks, and the reuse of products for better resource management.
Education Of The Issue
The awareness of climate change is often reduced when discussing local water systems, however, it is essential to the long-term health of these bodies of water. Making sure that people are educated on Lake Michigan and its water levels is paramount to create an understanding of the complexities of climate change. Organizations such as the US Army Corps of Engineers are working with local schools and universities to inform citizens of climate initiatives and the risks associated with rising water levels.
Conclusion
The water levels of Lake Michigan are having a major impact on the local economy, environment and culture. The lake requires the international community’s attention and mitigation strategies to help address the swelling water levels. Adjustments need to be made to existing infrastructure and practices in order to respond to the new ecosystem conditions. It is apparent that if effective solutions are not implemented, the consequences of climate change will likely continue to rise and the local community will suffer.
