Evaporation from Lake Superior: 1. Physical controls and processes

► The surface energy balance was measured on Lake Superior over 2.5 years. ► All of the summertime net radiation was partitioned as heat storage in the lake. ► Winter heat storage was partitioned as evaporation and sensible heat loss. ► Evaporation was proportional to wind speed; inversely proportional vapor pressure. ► Annual evaporative water loss was associated with differences in ice cover.