Scientists have compiled a comprehensive dataset tracking ice coverage on the Great Lakes from 1897 to the present. By analyzing historical records alongside modern observations, researchers have identified long-term trends in the extent and duration of ice cover across the region.
This dataset is already being applied to ecological studies, including research on fish populations affected by changing ice conditions. Understanding these patterns helps scientists assess the impacts of environmental shifts on aquatic ecosystems.
**Why this matters**
Ice coverage on the Great Lakes influences water temperature, habitat conditions, and species survival. Tracking changes over more than a century provides valuable insights into climate trends and supports efforts to manage and protect vulnerable fish species and other wildlife in the region.
Source: NewsData