New research conducted by University of Wyoming scientists reveals that despite warming temperatures in the region, the duration of Yellowstone Lake being covered by ice each year has remained constant over the past century. This surprising finding challenges the common belief that climate change would significantly impact the lake’s ice phenology.
Lead by Lusha Tronstad and Isabella Oleksy, the study highlights the remarkable resistance of Yellowstone Lake to climate change compared to similar lakes in the Northern Hemisphere. The research team, which includes experts from Utah State University, Colorado State University, and Colorado Mesa University, analyzed climate data from 1927 to 2022, alongside historical records of ice-on and ice-off dates.
Situated at a high elevation of 7,733 feet within Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Lake is a vast body of water that freezes over completely in late December or early January, thawing in late May or early June. The lake’s unique ice phenology has been meticulously documented by the Lake Village Ranger Station staff for nearly a century.
This study sheds light on the resilience of Yellowstone Lake’s ice cover, offering valuable insights into the complex interactions between climate change and high-elevation ecosystems. The findings challenge conventional wisdom and underscore the importance of long-term monitoring and research in understanding the impacts of climate change on natural environments.
2024-04-17 00:51:02
Original from phys.org