How does ice on a lake surface allow life to continue in the water below?

When lakes and ponds freeze, the ice on the surface forms pockets of air and helps insulate the water so it doesn't freeze solid. Michigan lakes and ponds are home to a variety of plants and animals. Ice helps protect most aquatic plants and animals throughout the winter months.



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Enough oxygen However, colder water can hold more dissolved gas than warmer water can, so water below freezing holds the most oxygen. Then, because fish metabolism has slowed down, they are using less oxygen. Some fish even go into a state called torpor that decreases their need for oxygen even more.

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In water that is around the freezing point, a person is likely to survive only 15 to 45 minutes with flotation and possibly up to an hour or so with flotation and protective gear before the brain and heart stop (Table 1). The surface temperature of Lake Superior in early to mid-summer is about 40 to 50 F.

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Do not attempt to cross this ice. Watch for rivulets flowing on the ice or streams flowing under it. Even when the surface looks solid, a current under the ice causes erosion from below.

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