🔍 Key Concepts

• Great Lakes water level drivers (precipitation, evaporation, inflow/outflow, wind, atmospheric pressure) • Time scales of change: minutes–hours, days–weeks, months–seasons, years–decades • Meaning of each option: outflow, long-term, seasonal, short-term fluctuations

💭 Think About

• For each option, ask: over what time scale does this type of fluctuation mainly occur, and how predictable is it? • Which type of fluctuation is linked to the earth’s annual climate cycle rather than random weather events or multi‑year climate trends? • Which category would allow you to make a reasonable forecast for the same time next year, based on an established pattern?

✅ Before You Answer

• Match each choice to a characteristic time scale: very fast (hours–days), intermediate (months), or very slow (years). • Decide which category is mainly controlled by regular, repeating climate patterns instead of irregular storms or long‑term climate shifts. • Eliminate any option that depends heavily on short‑notice weather events like strong winds or sudden pressure changes.