Why is Lake Michigan so cold?

Answer 1

This is somewhat coplicated besides cold weather. Water reaches its maximum density at thirty-nine degrees (F). Then the water sinks and "turns over" and the process is repeated until the temperature is a homogenius 39, then the top layer cools and eventuall freezes. Deep lake take much longer to freeze, if at all (Lake Tahoe) for example. That's why shallow lakes freeze quicker and the ice is thicker. Salinity also plays a part...salt Walter freezing point averages 28 degrees (F)

Answer 2

Lakes are full of water - which can evaporate. Just like you can cool your body down by sweating and then having the heat from your body evaporate the sweat, lakes can cool down a bit below the surrounding temperature by evaporation of the water they contain. They also tend to be cooler than their surroundings because they are fed by rivers and streams that are bringing cooler water in from higher elevations that are cooler.

A third reason is that water has considerable thermal mass. It takes a lot more energy to warm up water (per unit mass) than most other things around it so while the air around it might warm quickly, the lakeis barely changing temperature.

Answer 3

there no sun to warm it