Climate change and its devastating effects are currently rendering visible, significant impacts on natural reservoirs and lakes globally. One of the most noticeable instances of this detrimental impact is now seen in Lake Tahoe, the US’s largest alpine lake. The lake has dropped below its natural rim due to droughts fueled by climate change, leaving a cascading effect on the surrounding environment.
Introduction to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe holds the notable status of being the largest alpine lake in North America. Besides, it ranks second in depth only after Crater Lake in Oregon within the US boundary. Alpine lakes refer to those bodies of water located at high altitudes, typically above sea level and beyond the tree line.
An interesting fact to note here is the Great Lakes, a chain of deep freshwater lakes in east-central North America, consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Barring Lake Michigan, all other lakes naturally demarcate the border between Canada and the United States.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Lakes
Climate change has been increasingly affecting lakes around the world in numerous ways:
Decreased Ice Cover
More than 100,000 lakes worldwide are susceptible to enduring ice-free winters if the air temperature witnesses a rise of 4 °C. This potential loss of ice cover stems from the increasing global temperatures caused by climate change.
Rising Lake Surface Water Temperatures (LSWT)
LSWT has been on an upward trend worldwide, matching or even surpassing air temperature increases. This rise in temperature indicates the severity of warming caused by climate change and its direct effects on these water bodies.
Increased Evaporation Rate
Forecasts predict that the global annual mean lake evaporation rate may see a substantial 16% increase by 2100. The variation in this rate would depend on factors such as ice cover, stratification, wind speed, and solar radiation. Stratification refers to the formation of distinct thermal layers in a lake during warm weather.
Impact on Lake Water Storage
While climate change significantly impacts global lake water storage, the severity varies from region to region. Yet, predicting the magnitude of future changes in lake water storage remains an uncertain task due to the constantly changing nature of climate conditions.
The alarming effects of climate change on natural reservoirs like Lake Tahoe underscore the need for urgent action. Understanding the detailed implications will further stimulate more effective conservation efforts.
