What factor primarily retards the growth of ice in Lake Ontario during fall and spring?

The correct choice focuses on the large heat storage capacity of Lake Ontario as the primary factor that retards the growth of ice during the transitional seasons of fall and spring. Lakes have the ability to absorb and retain heat due to their volume and depth. In the case of Lake Ontario, its significant size and depth allow it to store a substantial amount of heat. This heat is slowly released back into the water, which delays the cooling process necessary for ice formation.

During fall, even as air temperatures drop, the heat retained in the water can maintain temperatures above freezing longer than the air. Similarly, in spring, as temperatures begin to rise, the water retains heat from previous seasons, which helps to prevent ice from forming too quickly as temperatures fluctuate. This heat storage effectively moderates temperature change, making ice growth less likely during these periods.

Other options might relate to factors influencing ice formation, but they do not encapsulate how the heat storage capacity specifically interacts with seasonal temperature variations to impact ice growth as directly as the correct answer does.