Lake Superior Near Duluth – Geography & Background
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes with a surface area of nearly 82,000 square kilometers and the deepest lake in the entire region. Located between the US and Canada, it has a maximum depth of 401 meters, making it the second-deepest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Baikal in Russia. Near the city of Duluth, Lake Superior has a depth of around 320 meters. This is due to the natural topography of the area which is characterized by rocky, steep-walled canyons that continuously deepen with the passage of time.
As a result of the extreme geographic features of the area, storms and winds can create huge waves which can cause considerable damage to the shoreline. Over time, the power of these waves have been known to penetrate deep into the lake, further deepening its depths. In addition, as freshwater from the numerous tributaries accumulates in the lake, the average volume increases due to the differing densities of freshwater and saltwater.
Duluth lies at the entrance of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which is a system of locks, dams and channels that link the up the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. This has made Duluth the primary port on this waterway, handling over 10 million tons of cargo each year.
Hydrology & Ecology
The primary sources of water entering Lake Superior are the Ontonagon, Keweenaw, Michipicoten, and St. Mary’s rivers, along with numerous smaller streams and creeks. According to the US Geological survey (USGS), the average discharge of the lake is approximately 12,500 cubic meters of water each second.
The lake is an integral part of the larger Great Lakes ecosystem, supporting a wide variety of aquatic organisms. The lake is home to over 120 species of fish, many of which are native to the lake. Additionally, the lake contains a number of species of waterbirds, amphibians, and mammals, the most notable of which are the Tactic seals and Sea Lampreys.
Lake Superior has also been identified as one of the most polluted of the Great Lakes. This is largely due to the huge number of industrial activities which encircle the lake and exude their pollutants into its waters. Heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants have long been an issue for the lake, and various efforts are being taken to combat this increasing pollution.
Agriculture & Tourism
Lake Superior has been a vital waterway for transportation of goods in the surrounding area for centuries. Additionally, the lake has provided invaluable resources for commercial fishing and other forms of harvesting, such as logging. In the modern era, the lake has become an increasingly popular tourism destination for both domestic and international visitors alike. This is primarily due to the fact that the lake is easily accessible via number of highways and railway lines, and offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, sailing, and boating.
In Duluth, there are a number of attractions which make use of the lake’s deep waters. The Aerial Lift Bridge, located in the center of the city, is a popular tourist destination and is used to transport vehicular traffic over the lake. Additionally, there are innumerable tour operators which give boat rides along the lake, offering panoramic views of the area. Hiking and biking trails are also located nearby the lake, with some catering specifically to those who wish to take in views of Lake Superior from nearby hills and mountains.
Biology & Conservation
The lake supports a rich array of organisms, many of which are native to this body of water. The lake also plays a vital role in the life cycles of a number of migratory bird species, including loons, ducks, and tundra swans. There have been a number of efforts to protect the lake from further degradation, the most notable of which being the ‘Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’ which is a five-year, $475 million funding program aimed at protecting the Great Lakes.
Due to the numerous threats which Lake Superior faces, a strong emphasis has been placed on its conservation by local, state and federal agencies. In particular, efforts are being taken to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake as well as increasing public awareness of issues related to the lake’s health. Additionally, the US fish and wildlife service has conducted numerous habitat restoration projects in order to improve the lake’s overall wellness.
Economy & Industry
Due to the environmental wonders of Lake Superior and the St. Lawrence Seaway, Duluth has become one of the most vibrant and important cities in the region. A large number of industries, both large and small, have been able to make use of the opportunities presented by the lake, providing jobs and revenue for the local economy. The largest industry in terms of economic contribution is the port of Duluth, which is the largest port on the Great Lakes and serves as a major distribution centre for the Midwest. Other industries such as manufacturing, construction, and shipping have all benefited from the vast reserves of resources which Lake Superior possesses.
The lake has also been of great benefit to the tourism industry, with visitors travelling from all over the world to take advantage of the beautiful and rugged landscapes offered by the lake. Therefore, with the ever-expanding tourist industry, the region has seen an influx in jobs and investments which has helped to diversify the local economy.
Access & Shipping
Due to its strategic location, Duluth is home to a number of important shipping lanes. In addition to the St. Lawrence Seaway, the harbor is home to the North American inland waterway system which connects the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River and the Intra-Costal Waterway. Vessels from all over the world are routinely seen travelling through the harbor, bringing valuable cargo from around the globe.
The local port of Duluth-Superior has long been one of the catalysts for the economic growth of the area, handling nearly 10 million tons of cargo annually. It is also a gateway for recreational watercraft, providing entry points for boaters, fishermen and tourists alike into the vast expanse of Lake Superior. It is the only port facility on the lake that is authorized to handle foreign ships, making it a hub for international maritime activity.
Environmental Impact
Unfortunately, the lake has not been immune to the environmental impact of human activity. It is estimated that nearly two thirds of the lake’s entire watershed has been altered in some way by natural or anthropogenic sources. This has had a severe effect on the lake’s ecosystem, driving out some species and changing the water quality.
The most significant source of pollution is farm runoff, with non-point sources such as agricultural chemicals and animal wastes entering the lake from nearby areas. Additionally, industrial pollution from local manufacturers and power plants has also been an issue. As a result, there has been an increase in fish kills and algal blooms which has further impacted the overall health of this vital ecosystem.
However, there have been some positive steps taken in order to combat these environmental issues. Local and federal agencies have begun taking initiatives to reduce the amount of pollution entering the lake, while also placing an emphasis on environmental education. Additionally, the USGS has begun monitoring changes in the lake’s water quality and regularly publishes its findings online in order to make the public aware of any potential changes to the lake’s health.
