At a staggering 1,332 feet (405 meters) deep, Lake Superior is by far the deepest of the five great lakes, with the average depth of the lake at 483 feet (147 meters). It is often referred to as the world’s largest inland lake and covers 32, 000 square miles (82, 100 square kilometers).
The deepest part of Lake Superior is located in an area known as the Mid-Lake Plateau, about 40 miles off the coast of the Canadian city of Thunder Bay. It’s not just the sheer depth of the area that makes it so remarkable; the sheer size of the lake floor is a real shocker. At around 170 miles long and 60 miles wide, it actually covers an area one and a half times the size of the state of Rhode Island.
The water at the bottom of the lake is incredibly cold, ranging between 36 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 4 degrees Celsius). This is due to the fact that Lake Superior is a closed basin, meaning that there is no major river entering or leaving the lake. The lack of influx of warm water from rivers keeps the lake cold all year round.
Despite the lake’s impressive depth, there isn’t a great deal of diversity when it comes to the type of species found at the lake’s bottom. Most of the critters living in the lake are primarily scavengers that feed on the remains of dead fish and other particles that fall down from above. Some of the most common creatures found in the deep waters of Lake Superior include crayfish, midge larvae, freshwater clams, and small invertebrates.
The hardness of the lake floor is another interesting phenomenon. The pressure at the bottom of the lake is so great that it has the ability to turn seemingly soft sedimentary rocks such as shale and sandstone into harder materials such as gneiss, limestone, and granite. It has also been found that the pressure compacts organic material found on the floor, creating organic rock known as lignite.
As with any large body of water, Lake Superior has its fair share of stories that it’s hiding underwater. As early as the 19th century, Lake Superior was a major shipping hub for the Great Lakes region. Over the years, several ships have gone down in the deep, darker parts of the lake, either from weather-related incidents or from hitting cliffs or rocks. Some of these vessels still remain at the bottom of the lake, like the US Navy’s Brig Niagara, the William Edenborn, and the Ann McKim.
The Marine Life of Lake Superior
Because of its sheer size, there are hundreds of different types of fish, plants, and other aquatic life living in Lake Superior. Some of the most common fish species include Lake Trout, Whitefish, Walleye, and Coho Salmon. There are also some truly remarkable species that call the depths of the lake their home. These include the Lake Sturgeon, which can grow to the size of a couch, and the lake’s mythical lake monster, the Ojibwa Sea Serpent.
Many of the lake’s animals and plants have adapted to the unique conditions of Lake Superior, and due to this, some species in the lake have special adaptations that make them very resilient. The Lake Trout, for example, have been known to survive in depths all the way to 300 feet (90 meters). There are also species of deepwater corals found in the lake’s depths, and some species of sponges that have evolved to survive in extremely cold waters.
The lake itself is also a hot spot for many aquatic activities. Boating, sailing, fishing and skydiving are just some of the many activities enjoyed on the lake. People also enjoy scuba diving in the lake, albeit in the shallower areas. Many of the wrecks and lost ships that have rested at the bottom of the lake throughout the years are popular diving spots, as well as other sights around the lake, such as ridges, cliff walls, kelp beds, and even underwater waterfalls.
Related Facts About Lake Superior
Aside from being the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior has several other interesting facts to its name. For example, the shore of Lake Superior is the fourth longest coastline in the world. It is also the coldest of the Great Lakes, and the longest river, the Nipigon River, is located within its boundaries.
Since the lake has such a long coastline, it is important to keep the water clean and prevent pollution from entering the lake. The Canadian and US governments have both taken steps to ensure the preservation of the lake, with both countries implementing initiatives such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (1972) and the Lake Superior Binational Program (2013).
Lake Superior is also home to several protected areas, parks, and reserves. Canada’s Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area is the largest protected marine area in the world, covering over 1,600 square miles. There are also several national parks around the lake, including Isle Royale National Park, Neys Provincial Park, and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Preservation of the Lake
The protection of the lake should be of utmost importance due to its immense size and significance to the region’s environment and economy. Therefore, conservation is critical in keeping the lake healthy. The lake is an important source of freshwater for the areas around it, and its food sources provide sustenance to dozens of species of animals and fish living in the lake.
Organizations such as the Great Lakes Commission, The Coastal Zone Management Program, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission have all been instrumental in preserving the lake and ensuring that the water remains clean and free of pollutants. Projects such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Collaborative have also been key in helping to remove pollutants from the lakes and revitalize the surrounding area.
In addition, governments and citizens alike have taken an active role in preserving the lake. People living in the surrounding region have taken part in initiatives such as shoreline cleanups and the reduction of water pollution. Businesses have also taken part in the preservation of the lake, both by implementing sustainability measures and by investing in projects meant to conserve and protect the lake.
The Cultural Significance of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is also an important cultural and spiritual environment for the many Native American groups who have called the lake home for centuries. The lake has been a constant source of food, medicine, and transportation for these groups, making it an incredibly important force in their cultural identity.
It is also an important source of myth and legend for many of these cultures, with stories and folklore often linking the lake and its mysterious depths to creatures and deities. The Ojibwa people in particular believe that the lake is home to a giant serpent-like creature they call Mishipeshu, who protects the lake and its inhabitants.
Today, Lake Superior has become an important tourist destination and a popular recreational area. People come from all over the world to experience the lake’s incredible beauty and size, as well as to take part in the many activities that the lake has to offer. Whether it’s for boating, fishing, or simply admiring the lake’s grandeur, the lake is an experience that no one should miss.
Conclusion
At an impressive depth of 1,332 feet (405 meters) and an area of 32,000 square miles (82,100 square kilometers), Lake Superior is an awe-inspiring sight. Its unique environment provides a home for hundreds of species of plants, animals, and fish, as well as a source of myth and legend for the many Native American peoples who have called the lake home for centuries. From its rich history to its remarkable marine and terrestrial life, Lake Superior is a sight that must not be taken for granted.
