Which climate type surrounds the great lakes?

Question

Which climate type surrounds the great lakes?

Answer 1

Overview

"Wait a day and the weather will change" is an apt description of weather in the Great Lakes region, especially in the spring and fall. That's because the region is affected by both warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from the Arctic. In general, the north experiences cooler weather, while the south has warmer temperatures. The entire basin experiences four distinct seasons.



The Great Lakes also have a big influence on the climate. Acting as a giant heat sink, the lakes moderate the temperatures of the surrounding land, cooling the summers and warming the winters. This results in a milder climate in portions of the basin compared to other locations of similar latitude. The lakes also act as a giant humidifier, increasing the moisture content of the air throughout the year. In the winter, this moisture condenses as snow when it reaches the land, creating heavy snowfall in some areas, known as "snow belts" on the downwind shores of the lakes. The shores of Lake Superior are prone to this "lake effect" snow and have recorded up to 350 inches of snow in a single year. During the winter, the temperature of the lakes continues to drop. Ice frequently covers Lake Erie but seldom fully covers the other lakes.



References: Great Lakes Atlas, Environment Canada and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995  

Answer 2

Lakes are in interior of continent. It is termed temperate continental climate(Dwb) giving way to hot continental climate(Dwa) at southern shores, as per Koppen.

Answer 3

climate is the atmospheric condition over an area for a period of 30-35 years. climates vary for differnt countries due to distance away from the equator. tropical and temperate countries both have lakes but they experience differnt climates.