Do big lakes have waves?

Most lakes are so small that fetch considerations are unimportant. Studies in larger lakes, however, have shown that the height of the highest waves are related to the fetch. In these lakes, waves as high as several metres are common, although waves of about 7 metres (23 feet) are the highest to be expected.



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Waves on lakes are mostly the result of wind and are called “wind-driven” or “surface” waves. Sure, we suppose a random earthquake could trigger a whitecap or a lake could be big enough for the moon's gravity to pull a little water back and forth but, almost always, the waves you see on lakes are being created by wind.

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From some vantage points, the Great Lakes feel more like vast inland seas than freshwater lakes. But the 6 quadrillion gallons (~23 quadrillion liters) sloshing in Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, and Erie represent one fifth of the planet's fresh water.

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“The waves hit you every three to five seconds in the Great Lakes, where in the ocean it might be 10 to 12 seconds between waves,” said Guy Meadows, a Michigan senior research scientist.

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These lakes are the perfect backdrop for swimming, boating, and other water-related activities. But there can be more danger in these Great Lakes waves than what you'd find in the ocean. The Great Lakes are more than capable of generating waves over 10 feet high, despite being smaller than our oceans.

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While at times Lake Erie can be flat and calm, as wind blows across Lake Erie's surface, energy is transferred from the wind to the water. This energy generates currents and builds waves.

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During the early morning hours, the land and the water start out at roughly the same temperature. On a calm morning, a given pressure surface will be at the same height above both the land and water. A few hours later, the sun's energy begins to warm the land more rapidly than the water.

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The free orbital motion of the water is disrupted, and water particles in orbital motion no longer return to their original position. As the water becomes shallower, the swell becomes higher and steeper, ultimately assuming the familiar sharp-crested wave shape.

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10 OF THE BIGGEST WAVES IN THE WORLD
  • NAZARE, PORTUGAL. Nazare is home to the worlds biggest waves, clocking in a record breaking 86ft! ...
  • PEAHI (JAWS), MAUI. ...
  • CORTES BANK, CALIFORNIA. ...
  • MAVERICKS, CALIFORNIA. ...
  • PUERTO ESCONDIDO, MEXICO. ...
  • WAIMEA, HAWAII. ...
  • TEAHUPOO, TAHITI. ...
  • CLOUDBREAK, FIJI.


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Alligators are rarely found in the Great Lakes. Although some alligators thrive in freshwater, it's just too cold in the north for them to survive. They don't typically live farther north than North Carolina.

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Lake Michigan The Great Lakes are all water bodies that swimmers should think twice about entering. Lake Michigan in particular is the roughest of the Great Lakes, and poses a major risk to those thinking of taking a dip. This body of water is often named the most dangerous lake in the United States.

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