{"id":8668,"date":"2023-11-06T05:50:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-06T04:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/?p=8668"},"modified":"2023-11-06T05:50:13","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T04:50:13","slug":"does-lake-michigan-have-currents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/does-lake-michigan-have-currents\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Lake Michigan Have Currents"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The waters of Lake Michigan are not as calm as they appear to be. There is a powerful and turbulent force known as currents that ripple beneath its surface. Even though this might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Great Lakes, it plays an important role in its hydrology and ecology. It also has a few surprises that aren’t immediately noticeable, such as how these currents interact with the waves, how they affect climate change, and even how they’ve been adopted by some local industry. <\/p>\n

One of the most impressive aspects of the Lake Michigan currents is the sheer power of them. The shorelines of the lake can experience currents of up to 6 knots, or about 11 kilometers per hour. The currents push in and out of the lake as the Great Lakes experience high and low tides from the St. Lawrence River. Because of this, the lake experiences regular waves, which are also amplified by the currents beneath the surface. <\/p>\n

It isn’t just a sightseeing treat to behold, however. There are many other effects that the currents can have both inside and outside of Lake Michigan. Scientists have been studying the lake currents for several decades to understand how they’re interconnected with the local weather and climate. The currents can carry nutrients, heat, and even pollutants throughout the lake, which can influence ecosystems and local industry. <\/p>\n

Another interesting aspect of the Lake Michigan currents are the unexpected ways they’ve been adopted by local industry. For example, one surprise that isn’t immediately apparent is the growing popularity of “blue energy”. This form of renewable energy takes advantage of the current to generate electricity, which is then pumped back into the grid. This is becoming increasingly popular because it’s both reliable and sustainable. <\/p>\n