Formed 15,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, Lake Huron is the second deepest (after Lake Superior) Great Lakes of North America. Located on the border of the United States and Canada, the lake stretches for more than 300 miles and covers an area of 23,000 square miles. As a part of the Great Lakes Council, Lake Huron is a crucial resource for the local communities.
The maximum registered depth of Lake Huron is 750 feet, but surveys have suggested that the actual depth could be even greater and could reach up to 900 feet. This makes Lake Huron the fifth-largest and second-deepest of the North American Great Lakes. But even this depth might not be the true maximum depth of the lake.
The overall topography of the lake is characterized by two deep basins, the Saginaw Bay and the Central basin. The Saginaw Bay in the southern part of the lake is the deepest, with a maximum depth of close to 300 feet. The Central basin, located between the two major peninsulas of Michigan, is quite deep as well, with a maximum depth of close to 400 feet.
The deepest known point in Lake Huron is Hurd’s Deep — believed to be located in the Central basin. This extreme depth was first recorded by geologist John Hurd in the 1940s and has been corroborated by subsequent studies. While the exact depth of Hurd’s Deep is unknown, estimates have placed it at between 800 and 900 feet.
The deep waters of Lake Huron have been subject to several studies over the past few decades. It’s believed that the immense pressure at such depths could have a significant impact on the ecological system of the lake, and hence on the lifeforms that inhabit its depths. Some studies have suggested that the light penetration and temperature of the waters could influence the marine life.
The currents in the lake also play a major role in determining the dynamics of the ecosystem. One of the major sources of turbulence in the lake is the current running from the Straits of Mackinac to the Sault Ste. Marie. This current is known to run at up to two mph and carries a significant amount of material along with it. It’s believed that this current is responsible for the migration of various species of fish and other aquatic organisms.
Cross Border Pollution
The deep waters of Lake Huron are also susceptible to human interference, especially in the form of cross border pollution. The lake is a shared resource between the United States and Canada, and hence the pollution levels of one country have a direct effect on the other. The water in the lake undergoes continuous changes in terms of the quality, composition and temperature due to both natural and human influences.
The pollution levels of Lake Huron have been a cause of concern in recent times, with some studies claiming that the lake experiences increased levels of pollutants as compared to other Great Lakes. Pollution levels can have major impacts on the overall health of the lake, and hence, both countries have taken steps to regulate and monitor the level of pollutants.
The introduction of invasive species is also posing a major threat to the natural ecosystem of Lake Huron. Invasive species, such as zebra mussels, round gobies and the spiny water fleas, are capable of consuming massive amounts of the lake’s food sources and outcompeting native species, threatening the biodiversity of the lake and possibly resulting in devastating consequences.
Preservation Measures
In order to maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem of Lake Huron, both the United States and Canada have taken a number of steps to preserve the lake. One of the most important initiatives is the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). This agreement was aimed at reducing the overall pollution levels in the Great Lakes and was signed by both countries in 1978.
Since then, both countries have taken a number of steps to reduce pollutants, including increased monitoring and regulation of pollutants, tighter emission control standards, installation of water filtration systems, better agricultural management practices, and improved sewage treatment systems.
The two countries have also established multiple research programs and monitoring centers to evaluate the long-term effects of pollution on the lake. In addition, multiple organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, have taken up the initiative to clean up the lake and have launched several programs to educate the locals on the importance of water quality.
A Hub of Recreational Activities
Despite all the threats and challenges, Lake Huron’s deep waters continue to attract thousands of visitors and provide a hub of recreational activities. Fishing is one of the popular activities in the lake, with the lake hosting several species of fishes such as lake trout, lake whitefish, lake herring, lake sturgeon, chinook, coho, and Atlantic salmon.
The lake also offers a unique chance to explore its depths as it is home to two undersea parks that were established in the 1980s. The parks, known as the Thunder Bay Undersea Preserve and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, are located near the two shores of the lake and let visitors explore and discover the stunning shipwrecks, rock formations, and fossils that lay deep in the waters.
Visitors can also take up the opportunity to sail the waters of the lake, canoe, kayak and even take up scuba diving! Several dive centers offer courses to teach scuba diving, and also provide a chance to explore the depths of the lake.
Threats to the Lake
Besides pollution, the Lake Huron is facing several other challenges, such as climate change, rising water levels, temperatures, heavy algal blooms and the threat of invasive species. Algal blooms have been a major concern in recent times, with the nutrient-rich shallow waters providing an ideal environment for the growth of these tiny organisms.
Invasive species are also having a detrimental effect on the lake’s ecosystem, with some studies suggesting that they could be responsible for the drastic drop in certain fish populations. It’s estimated that the population of native lake sturgeon has decreased by over 95% due to the introduction of the invasive round goby.
Climate change is yet another major challenge for the lake, with rising temperatures and water levels having a major impact on the lake’s ecology. The lake itself is getting warmer, with the average lake temperature between 1995 to 2000 recorded to be around 2 or 3 degrees Fahrenheit higher than during the 1950s and 60s.
Conclusion
Lake Huron is a major Great Lake of North America that spans 300 miles in length and has depths that can reach up to 900 feet. It is a crucial resource for the communities on both sides of the United States-Canada border and plays a major role in their economy and ecology. While there are several challenges and threats to the lake, both countries have taken initiatives to reduce pollution levels, conserve and monitor the lake’s resources, and educate the locals on the lake’s importance.
