Simulation of lake ice and its effect on the late-Pleistocene evaporation rate of Lake Lahontan

A model of lake ice was coupled with a model of lake temperature and evaporation to assess the possible effect of ice cover on the late-Pleistocene evaporation rate of Lake Lahontan. The simulations were done using a data set based on proxy temperature indicators and features of the simulated late-Pleistocene atmospheric circulation over western North America. When a data set based on a mean-annual air temperature of 3° C (7° C colder than present) and reduced solar radiation from jet-stream induced cloud cover was used as input to the model, ice cover lasting 4 months was simulated. Simulated evaporation rates (490–527 mm a^–1) were 60% lower than the present-day evaporation rate (1300 mm a^–1) of Pyramid Lake. With this reduced rate of evaporation, water inputs similar to the 1983 historical maxima that occurred in the Lahontan basin would have been sufficient to maintain the 13.5 ka BP high stand of Lake Lahontan.