Geography of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is located on the Canadian-US border and is the largest freshwater lake on the planet. It covers an area of 31,700 square miles and is surrounded by Ontario and Minnesota in Canada, Wisconsin and Michigan in the United States of America. This massive surface accounts for 9% of the total surface water available to the world and is located in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin. It is situated at 600ft above sea level and is connected by the Saint Lawrence, Niagara and Huron Rivers to the Atlantic Ocean.
Water Flow, Volume & Quality
Lake Superior’s primary source of water is from the Superior Basin which holds approximately 312,000 square miles over the drainage area. It is the largest single contributor in the Great Lakes and supplies an average flow rate of 2,900 cubic feet per second (CFS). This inflow is balanced by an average outflow of 2,860 CFS as rain, surface water and melting snow evaporates into the atmosphere.
The lake also holds about 2,900 cubic kilometers of water, which is equivalent to 3 quadrillion gallons. Additionally, the lake is fringed by very clean water and an average of 1,180 milligrams of dissolved solids, making it around 8 times fresher than the world’s oceans. And like all the Great Lakes, particularly in the U.S., Superior is constantly monitored for water quality and purity.
Biodiversity of the Lake
Apart from being a great source of freshwater, the lake is also home to a wide range of exotic species. From mammals to fishes, the lake holds a diverse range of species that form the majority of their prey’s diet. In addition, the lake is home to many migrating species such as whitefish, migratory birds, and loons.
The aquatic species of the lake are also widely known and appreciated. The most notable of these is the Lake Trout, which is widely known for its delicious meat and sustainable fishing practices. Furthermore, Lake Superior also contains a variety of other species like Walleye, Yellow Perch, Alewives, Salmon, and Whitefish.
Sport Fishing & Tourism
The lake has evolved over the years to become one of the most popular fishing and recreational destinations. Lake Superior is especially renowned for its deep sea trout fishing, which entices anglers from far and wide. This also helps drive the tourists influx to the region as fishermen seek out the lake’s legendary trout.
Additionally, the lake is a hub for all sorts of recreational activities, offering a wonderful opportunity for camping, hiking, and kayaking for all kinds of newly minted outdoor enthusiasts.
The Local Ecosystem
The aggregate environment of the lake is highly supportive of the health and well-being of the local wildlife. The lake provides access to environmental resources for the region’s biodiversity, which is essential for human interaction and food production. On the other hand, it also acts as a source of subsistence for the Indigenous communities of the area by sustaining the nutritional needs of its various endemic species.
The lake also serves as a real-life laboratory where researchers are able to monitor the effects of global warming on its environment. This is possible due to the lake’s perfect geologic insulation, which keeps its waters uncontaminated and unspoiled, giving researchers a clear insight into climate change’s effects on a pristine ecosystem.
Lake Superior’s Economy
The powers of the majestic lake can be witnessed in its deep economic ties that has been associated with it. The freshest water in the Great Lakes drives local businesses, attracting tourists, and creating a lucrative business avenue for recreational activities such as sport fishing and kayaking.
It also affects transportation, as trade and freight have traditionally been exported from the region to other parts of the United States and Canada. Finally, the lake is also a source for hydroelectric power which is the main source of power in the region and of the nearby cities.
Conclusion
Lake Superior truly is an astounding geographical masterpiece. Its power stems from its size and ecological wealth, driving tourism and sustaining entire food chains to the near-pristine waters that can be found in the lake.
From the smaller fishes to the larger mammals, the lake holds a variety of species that can be only seen in other parts of the world. And lastly, the lake works to keep the environment in check and provides a window of insight into humanity’s actions, made possible by the geologic insulation the lake is blessed with.
