What causes currents in lakes?

Currents in the Great Lakes can form from any combination of wind, waves, bottom formation, beach slope, water temperature, man-made structures, and natural outlets. For example, during rip currents, the water “piles up” between a sandbar and the beach.



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Underwater currents can form in lakes, rivers and oceans, and there are many reasons why they happen.

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Lake Michigan in particular is the roughest of the Great Lakes, and poses a major risk to those thinking of taking a dip.

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Pollutants from residential, agricultural, and industrial areas reduce water quality. Land development decreases the amount of wildlife habitat. Fish populations have been declining in recent years as a result of these threats and increased fishing pressure.

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Rivers and streams can appear calm on the surface but there may be: Strong undercurrents that can pull under even a strong and experienced swimmer.

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Not only is this lake massive - spanning 307 miles in either direction - but its shores also run parallel, causing unique wave shapes. The shapes of these waves are what contribute to rip tides, which are one of the most dangerous things swimmers can encounter in the water.

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Most Dangerous Currents at Lake Michigan These typically come from swimming at a beach with sandbars, which are a common feature around Lake Michigan. Rip currents are a constant danger in any sufficiently large body of water.

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Lake Michigan is generally clean and safe for swimming but it can become contaminated with harmful bacteria.

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