Lake Superior Facts
Lake Superior is the biggest of the five Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Located in the United States of America and Canada, Lake Superior offers a wealth of environmental beauty and recreational activities. It has been estimated that over 10 million people visit the lake each year, making it an extremely popular destination. When it comes to size, Lake Superior certainly doesn’t lack. It is a sizeable 31,700 miles squared in area, with a length of 350 statute miles, approximately. The depth of the lake is another impressive feature, with a maximum depth of 1,335 feet and an average depth of 502 feet.
Historical Context
The first recorded Lake Superior exploration was by French explorers Jacque Carver and Louis Joliet in the year 1672. The lake was initially known as Lac Supérieur by the Ottawa, Ojibwe and many other X-governments living in the area. In 1836, the lake was given its current name Lake Superior. It was part of a larger system connecting the Atlantic Ocean, Hudson Bay and then the lands of the Great Lakes. Today, Lake Superior is a major source of fun and resources, by providing freshwater and electricity to people in towns and cities throughout Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Tourism and Contamination
Lake Superior has long been a destination for tourists looking for fishing, sailing, and kayaking opportunities. There are a number of resorts and lodges scattered across the lake which make it easy for people to explore the towering hills and forests which make up much of Lake Superior’s coastline. Additionally, the lake holds 10,910 square kilometres of wetland, which provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and plants. Unfortunately, Lake Superior has also been subject to pollution from human activities over the years, from agricultural runoff, to industrial and municipal wastewater, to toxins leached from mines.
Environmental Management and Conservation
The governments of Canada and the United States have taken a proactive role in managing the environmental health of Lake Superior since 1996. The Great Lakes Operations Agreement has helped to ensure the water quality of the lake by setting water quality objectives, undertaking source control measures and monitoring the water quality of the lake. Additionally, a number of government organisations such as the Lake Superior Protection Committee have been formed to help reduce, control and monitor the impacts of human activities on the lake.
Biodiversity
Lake Superior is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including a staggering species count of 87 native fish. 24 of which are found only in the Great Lakes, and 23 of which are exclusive to Lake Superior. These species include whitefish, walleye, herring, lake whitefish, lake trout, lake sturgeon, and lake sturgeon, to name a few.
The lake is also home to over 400 species of birds, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Additionally, the lake is home to 26 species of amphibians and 56 species of reptiles, many of which are endangered or sensitive.
Environmental Challenges
The environmental health of Lake Superior is threatened by multiple factors, including overfishing, polluted runoff, and climate change. Overfishing has lead to a drastic decline in fish populations, and has caused a disruption in the food chain for the lake’s wildlife. Polluted runoff from agricultural and industrial sources has also caused a major decline in the water quality of Lake Superior, resulting in fish and wildlife illnesses and mortality. Scientists have also linked recent extreme weather and climate conditions to a warming of the lake, leading to damage to spawning grounds and water levels.
Importance of Lake Superior
The importance of Lake Superior cannot be overstated. It is the largest freshwater lake in the world, and provides drinking water to millions of people, energy and sustenance to wildlife, and recreational opportunities to many. It is of utmost importance that the governments and organisations that are responsible for conserving the lake do all they can to protect it.
Additionally Impacts
Climate change and global warming have also played a role in the state of Lake Superior. Unpredictable and extreme weather patterns have disrupted the local ecology and benthic (bottom-dwelling) communities of the lake, leading to toxic algal blooms and low oxygen levels. In addition, climate change has caused the sea levels to rise, contributing to erosion and habitat degradation.
Conclusion
The importance of Lake Superior has been recognized by many over the years, and efforts are being made to protect the lake from further damage and degradation. It is up to the people living in and around the lake to take action and ensure the health of Lake Superior for years to come. Through increased efforts to reduce pollution, restoring fish populations, and protecting the wetland habitat around the lake, we can ensure that the beauty of Lake Superior remains in place for future generations.
