Geographical Location of Lake Superior and the UK
Lake Superior is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and is located on the US-Canadian border. It is the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes along with being the largest body of fresh water in the world by surface area. It is situated on the border of the United States and Canada in between the provinces of Ontario and Minnesota. The United Kingdom (UK), on the other hand, is a small, European country situated off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. Comprising the four countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it is conditionally surrounded completely by the Atlantic Ocean, Irish Sea, and North Sea.
Size of Lake Superior and the UK
Lake Superior is approximately 82,100 km2 and has an average depth of 150 metres, with a maximum depth of 406 metres. It contains approximately 2,900 cubic kilometres of water, which is enough to fill all the other Great Lakes, plus Lake Erie on its own. On the other hand, the total area of the United Kingdom is approximately 243,610 km2, with an average depth of 31 metres.
Comparison of size between Lake Superior and the UK
By comparing the sizes of Lake Superior and the UK, it becomes evident that the entire country of the UK can fit into Lake Superior more than three times. It is astounding to comprehend the immensity of Lake Superior, especially when compared to a country. It is not only vast in size but it also contains immense quantity of water, to the extent that it holds 10 times more water than all the other Great Lakes combined.
Impact on Environment
The difference in size between Lake Superior and the UK is further compounded by the fact that Lake Superior is a freshwater lake and the UK has a complex network of land, rivers, seas and ocean. This makes the Lake’s ability to directly impact the environment much more powerful and far-reaching than that of the UK. In addition to providing habitat/resources to fish, waterfowl and other wildlife, it purifies water and relieves drought. It also serves to provide clean drinking water to millions of people living near its shores.
Importance of its biodiversity
The biodiversity of its ecosystem is also worthy of high regard; 84 species of fish live exclusively in Lake Superior and many of them are considered threatened or endangered. In addition, the Lake serves as a therapeutic refuge for people, with thousands of visitors coming to its shores every year to swim, boat, fish, and take in its natural beauty. In comparison, the rich wildlife and resources available in the UK are mainly found in its relatively small rivers and seas.
Problems and Threats
Despite its immense size and importance, Lake Superior is not invulnerable to human-caused threats. Pollution and climate change are dramatically effecting water quality, with runoff from agricultural and industrial activities contaminating the lake. Furthermore, the lake is facing an overall decline in its water levels over time, due to the changes in precipitation, temperature, and evaporation.
Management of Lake Superior
To combat these ongoing threats, the United States and Canada have announced new management plans for Lake Superior. These plans include improved water quality standards and the removal of old industrial infrastructure to reduce runoff and contamination. In addition, new regulations are being put in place to prevent further water loss and recover the lake’s water levels.
Economic Impact
The lake has also had a major economic impact on the region, with its tourism and fishery industries both contributing significantly. In addition to providing resources and materials to locals, Lake Superior’s outstanding beauty has drawn in millions of visitors who bring in a sizable amount of money to the local economy each year. As a result, the lake has been crucial to the development and prosperity of the North American regions surrounding it.
Environmental Protection Efforts
Recognizing its importance, Lake Superior has been granted special protection in recent years. Several areas of the lake have been deemed protected natural sites, and are now maintained as a refuge for wildlife and protected from fishing and outside activity. In addition, the Canadian and American governments have come together to establish various environmental plans and programs to ensure the long term sustainability of the lake.
Conclusion
It is no secret that Lake Superior is a giant among lakes, especially when compared to the size of the UK. Its sheer size and importance as a resource has led to its well-deserved protection and preservation. However, due to human activities, the lake is still facing serious threats and problems; thus, it is our responsibility to make sure it remains a safe place so that generations after us can continue to enjoy its beauty and reap its benefits.
