Data Display
In order to study patterns and trends, you will need to display the data in graphs. For
each of the three bodies of water, create a multiple-line graph to display the data. You
may use a graphing program or do these by hand. Your graphs should be uploaded as
part of your final portfolio.
Data Analysis
Before drawing conclusions or making predictions, you will need to look for patterns and
trends in the data. Write a paragraph describing the data and any patterns or trends you
see for each of the three bodies of water.
For Lake Superior, the data shows that the water temperature ranges from around 2 degrees Celsius in the winter to about 14 degrees Celsius in the summer. There is a clear upward trend in the temperature from April through August. This could be attributed to the warmer weather and longer days during the summer months. However, starting in August, the temperature begins to decline. This could be due to the onset of fall and decreasing daylight hours. Overall, the data suggests that Lake Superior experiences a seasonal variation in temperature.
For Lake Erie, the data reveals that the water temperature ranges from around 0 degrees Celsius in the winter to about 25 degrees Celsius in the summer. There is a clear upward trend in the temperature from April through July. This is likely due to increasing sunlight and warmer air temperatures during these months. However, starting in August, the temperature begins to decline. This may be attributed to changes in wind patterns or cooling from falling air temperatures. Overall, the data shows that Lake Erie experiences a significant change in temperature throughout the year.
For the Gulf of Mexico, the data indicates that the water temperature remains relatively consistent throughout the year. The temperature ranges from around 16 degrees Celsius in the winter to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. There is a slight upward trend in the temperature from April through August, but it is not as pronounced as the trends seen in the other two bodies of water. The consistency in temperature could be attributed to the location of the Gulf in a warm, tropical climate. Overall, the data suggests that the Gulf of Mexico experiences a stable temperature regime throughout the year.