How Big Is Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes of North America and the largest freshwater lake in the world. It covers a total surface area of 82,170 square kilometers (31,700 square miles) and is so large that it could hold all the other Great Lakes in its depths.
Lake Superior spans Ontario, Canada and Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the United States. It is the deepest freshwater lake in the world and contains a volume of over 2,903 cubic kilometers (700 cubic miles) of water. The vast expanse of its shoreline measures 2,726 km (1,699 miles), accounting for nearly 10% of the world’s total coastline.
Carved by retreating glaciers, Lake Superior is unique in that it has a regular flow and seasonal levels. Water passes through the Saint Marys River and the Soo Locks to Lake Superior and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean. During low and average water levels, the surface of Lake Superior is 406 m (1,333 feet) above sea level, while during high water levels it rises to 418 m (1,371 feet).
The lake’s deep, cold waters are a unique environment. Its numerous islands and bays provide important habitats for a variety of fish and aquatic life species, offering an ideal breeding and nesting ground for birds, reptiles and amphibians. There is also a wide variety of plant and birdlife around the lake’s shoreline.
Lake Superior’s climate is a major determinant of its water levels. During the colder months, it typically receives more snow and ice than the other Great Lakes, resulting in a correspondingly higher water levels. During the spring and summer, however, Lake Superior typically reaches its maximum levels due to increased evaporation and precipitation. This is especially true of the spring months when the warmer air rises off the lake.
The size of Lake Superior can also be attributed to the fact that it has the longest coast line of the Great Lakes. Its surrounding area is rich in natural resources, making it a center of commercial and recreational activity. This area is a popular destination for sailing, fishing, sightseeing, hunting, and camping. The spectacular beauty of the area is a draw for many visitors.
Lake Superior’s importance to the local economy and natural environment is undeniable. In addition to providing habitat for a range of aquatic species, it supports commercial and recreational uses. Commodities such as iron ore, limestone, and oil shale are extracted from the lake bed, oil and gas reserves are found offshore, and hydropower plants operate on its banks. Additionally, it is a vital source of drinking water for many communities.
Levels During Different Seasons
Water levels are especially important in the area of Lake Superior. Seasonal differences have an impact on the lake’s levels with winter having higher than average levels and spring and summer having the highest levels. For example, during the winter the lake is normally around 406 m (1, 333 feet) above sea level generated by the increased snowfall and ice melt.
Whereas summer is the longest season that brings the highest water level at 418 m (1,371 feet). This is usually due to increase in evaporation and precipitation. The lake is also affected by the amount of precipitation and runoff that flows into it. When there is more rain or melting snow, this will increase the water levels. On the other hand, if there is less precipitation, the levels will decrease.
In this regard, Lake Superior is considered to be a “closed system”. This means that the amount of water entering and leaving the lake over time is roughly equal. Therefore, the seasonal changes in level occur mostly due to the difference in the amount of precipitation or runoff entering the lake.
In terms of long-term impacts on Lake Superior levels, changes in temperature have the most significant effect. In particular, global warming is known to affect Lake Superior’s water levels. Higher temperatures lead to melting ice and snow, and faster evaporation. Although these effects on the lake’s water levels can be quite drastic in the short-term, the steady levels of precipitation have helped to offset these changes over time.
It is also important to note that lake levels are affected by both natural and man-made events. For example, the construction of dams, locks and reservoirs can all be used to control the lake’s water levels. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that there are environmental and economical impacts associated with changes to Lake Superior’s levels.
Hydrological Cycle and Lake Superior
The hydrological cycle is a continuous process in which water is transferred from the ocean to the atmosphere and then back to the land and back to the ocean. As water evaporates from the surface of the ocean, it is taken up by air currents and carried over land where it falls as rain. The water that rises into the atmosphere then falls onto the land forming streams and rivers, which eventually lead back to the sea.
The hydrological cycle plays an important role in determining Lake Superior’s levels. For example, the lake receives water from the rivers and streams that flow into it. It also receives some of its water from rain and snowmelt. In addition, Lake Superior plays an important role in the hydrological cycle of the Great Lakes basin. The water from Lake Superior eventually flows through the other Great Lakes and eventually out to the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition, the hydrological cycle also affects the water temperature of Lake Superior. This is important because the temperature of the water affects the amount of evaporation, which in turn affects the lake’s levels. During the summer months, when temperatures are higher, more water evaporation usually occurs resulting in higher lake levels.
Finally, the hydrological cycle also affects the nutrient levels in Lake Superior. Nutrients are important for the lake’s aquatic life and are also necessary for human activities such as fishing and recreational activities. Therefore, the hydrological cycle plays an important role in keeping Lake Superior healthy and providing the necessary resources to its users.
Climate Change
Climate change is causing global temperature increases, and the impacts of these changes are being felt by Lake Superior in particular. The lake is being affected by warming temperatures in a number of ways. First, an increase in temperature can result in increased evaporation, which can increase water levels. Second, an increase in temperature can also lead to decreased snowfall or ice melt, which can decrease the level of Lake Superior.
In addition, climate change is having an effect on the ecosystem of Lake Superior. Warmer temperatures can have a negative effect on aquatic species, affecting the fishing industry and recreational activities. As temperatures increase, it can lead to lower oxygen levels in the lake, which can have a detrimental effect on fish, birds and other aquatic species that rely on Lake Superior as a habitat.
Another effect of climate change is an increased risk of extreme weather events. Warmer temperatures can lead to more frequent and intense flooding, which can have an impact on the lake’s water level. Additionally, increased severity and frequency of storms can lead to an increased risk of shoreline erosion, damages to structures and infrastructure at the lake’s borders, and can threaten water resources.
Finally, as temperatures continue to rise, there is a greater risk of water shortages. Warmer temperatures increase water demand as more people use water for irrigation, recreational activities and other uses, leading to reduced and possibly decreasing lake levels.
Protection of Lake Superior and Its Resources
The health of Lake Superior is closely linked to the health of its surrounding environment and the Great Lakes region. Therefore, protecting the lake’s natural resources and minimizing the impacts of climate change are paramount. To do this, it is important to take steps to limit the amount of pollution entering the lake, reduce water usage and improve management of the watershed.
One way to protect the lake is to limit the amount of pollutants that enter the lake. This includes reducing the amount of agricultural and industrial runoff, as well as limiting the dumping of waste into the lake. Additionally, government regulations and laws, such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, help to ensure that water quality standards are met.
Another way to protect the lake is to improve the management of the watershed and watershed health. This can be done by protecting wetlands and restoring and protecting stream banks. Additionally, governments, industries and communities in the area can take steps to reduce water consumption and water pollution.
Finally, the government and decision makers must work together to implement policies and regulations that will help protect Lake Superior. This includes designing land-use policies that promote the conservation of natural resources, developing renewable energy sources, and creating incentives for businesses and individuals to reduce their water consumption.
