Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST
Great Lakes Ice Data Reveals Change
Coverage from Michigan Advance, Interlochen Public Radio, and others
Articles
3
Latest Article
02/04
Active Days
6
Executive Summary
Researchers and volunteers are expanding Great Lakes ice records to track changing winter conditions, improve safety, and study climate impacts on fish and lakes
- Michigan researchers built a 120 year Great Lakes ice cover dataset from weather station temperature records
- The record extends far beyond the 45 year satellite era and fills major winter data gaps
- The dataset can be compared with present conditions to study climate trends and ice variability
- Scientists are using it to examine winter biology and the historic decline of whitefish
- Great Lakes Observing System is recruiting volunteers to measure ice thickness on Great Lakes and inland lakes
- Public measurements help improve ice forecasting models and provide safety information for people on the ice
- More than 30 million people rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water
Quick Facts
- What: Building ice datasets and collecting thickness measurements
- Where: Great Lakes and nearby inland lakes in Michigan
- Why: To improve safety, forecast ice, and study climate change
- Who: Michigan researchers, GLOS staff, volunteers and students
- When: Historical records date to 1897, with new winter collection
Coverage Timeline: 6 Days
Featured Article
Researchers reconstruct 120 year Great Lakes ice cover history from weather records to inform winter climate understanding and whitefish research in the Great Lakes region.
Additional Articles
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Researchers unveil a 120 year dataset of Great Lakes ice cover using weather station records to aid climate research.
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Great Lakes Observing System and volunteers are collecting winter ice-thickness measurements across Great Lakes and inland lakes this winter to improve ice-forecasting models and safety.